Nursing pads are small, absorbent discs of material placed inside a nursing bra. They function as a barrier to manage breast milk leakage between feeding sessions, keeping the skin and clothing dry for comfort and hygiene. Because these pads collect a body fluid, maintaining a strict changing schedule is necessary to prevent the development of potential health issues.
Recommended Changing Schedule
The most important guideline for changing nursing pads is to replace them immediately any time they feel damp or saturated. Although many manufacturers suggest a general timeframe, dampness is the only definitive trigger for a change, regardless of the time elapsed. In the early weeks of breastfeeding, when the milk supply is establishing and leakage is heaviest, this could mean changing the pads after every feeding. For mothers with a more established supply and lighter leakage, a change may only be required two to four times a day. Developing a habit of checking the pads upon waking, after a feed, and before bed helps ensure they are never worn while wet.
Health Risks of Damp Pads
Wearing damp nursing pads creates a warm, moist environment highly conducive to the growth of microorganisms, posing a direct risk to breast and nipple health. The most commonly cited risk is a yeast infection, specifically Thrush, caused by the fungus Candida albicans, which can rapidly overgrow in the dark, warm, and nutrient-rich environment created by milk-soaked pads. Thrush on the nipple can cause symptoms for the mother that include a burning or stinging pain, which may persist after a feeding or radiate deep into the breast. The nipples may also appear shiny, flaky, or unusually pink, and the infection can be easily transmitted between the mother’s nipples and the baby’s mouth. Prolonged contact with damp material can also cause skin irritation or dermatitis, leading to redness, chafing, and soreness, and has been associated with an increased risk of mastitis and clogged milk ducts.
Factors That Adjust Change Frequency
A mother’s individual leakage volume is the primary factor that dictates how often pads must be changed, causing frequency to vary significantly throughout the day and the breastfeeding experience. In the initial postpartum period, the body is adjusting to milk production, often resulting in a high volume of spontaneous leakage that requires frequent changes. The let-down reflex can be unexpectedly triggered by stimuli like hearing a baby cry or thinking about the baby, leading to sudden saturation. Leakage volume also tends to be heavier overnight when longer intervals occur between feedings, or during pumping sessions. The absorbency rating of the specific product is another variable; pads rated for heavy use can extend the time between necessary changes.
Hygiene and Care for Reusable Pads
Reusable nursing pads offer an environmentally conscious option, but they require specific care to maintain hygiene and absorbency. After each use, rinse the pads promptly in cool or lukewarm water to remove milk residue, avoiding hot water which can cause milk proteins to set into the fabric.
Washing and Drying Guidelines
- Wash pads using a mild, fragrance-free detergent, placing them inside a mesh laundry bag before machine washing.
- Avoid using fabric softeners or dryer sheets, as these chemicals can coat the fibers and decrease absorbency.
- If a fungal infection like Thrush is present, sanitize pads using a hot wash cycle or a bleach solution to eliminate yeast and prevent reinfection.
- Air-dry pads or tumble-dry on a low-heat setting, as high heat can damage the material and reduce effectiveness.