Keeping your breasts dry in between feedings is essential for avoiding infections. In addition, it can be embarrassing to have wet spots and milk stains on your shirt drawing attention when you're in public places, and it can be uncomfortable trying to sleep when your shirt is soaked through.
What are Nursing Pads?
Nursing pads are small devices made from several layers of absorbent material. They are worn beneath a nursing bra, and are used to collect excess moisture and act as a barrier, keeping surrounding fabrics comfortably dry. All nursing pads do have a saturation point, and so must be changed out for fresh pads before they are full to avoid leaks. Disposable pads may be placed in your regular garbage container. Cloth nursing pads should be washed thoroughly between uses. Most are machine washable, but some products may need to be washed by hand.
What about disposables?
Having a good fitting nursing bra and absorbent nursing pads can make life much easier for a nursing mother. Of course, you could buy disposable pads from the store. They get the job done. However, I find them to be uncomfortable, and they have a tendency to stick to already sore nipples -- not an enjoyable prospect!
No-budget Solution
One solution for moms in tight financial straights is to simply use a cotton washcloth folded into quarters. Washcloths are cheap and plentiful, and most households already have a few extras that can be used. They work reasonably well, but often look a bit lumpy.
Do-it-yourself
Another idea is to make your own nursing pads. Receiving blankets and flannel pajamas or sheets are good candidates if you want to upcycle your fabric, or you can buy fabric from a craft store or online. Even if you don't have access to a sewing machine, it is possible to sew a few pairs of nursing pads by hand if necessary. This makes a nice project because you can use choose fabrics to customize the look and feel to your own preferences, and since they are small, each pad only takes a small amount of fabric.
Support an online WAHM
If none of these options appeals to you, there are many cloth nursing pads for sale online. This is a convenient option for many mothers short on time and those with limited sewing experience. And if you choose to buy from an online community like Etsy, chances are that you can find a work-at-home mom selling just what you were looking for, and for less money than the item might cost from a big commercial establishment.
So stay dry, stay comfortable, and keep on nourishing your baby just the way nature intended.
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