There is no nursing mom who wants to face the embarrassment of wet spots on her clothing from milk leakage. It can, however, happen to even the most prepared woman (Arora, 2018).
A nursing pad is a protective pad placed between your bra and nipple to protect your clothing from milk leakage (Arora, 2018).
Jen (a mom and Northern Virginia native, United States) writes that nursing pads are one of those items that you may not even think about when preparing for your baby. You will notice the need if your breasts leak (Breast Feeding Needs, 2015).
Leaking may occur because of the following factors:
(1) Scheduled feedings: A regimented feeding schedule (rather than feeding on demand) is a common contributor to leaking;
(2) Storage capacity: Smaller breasts at times cannot hold in milk in time to get to your baby for a feed;
(3) Emotional triggers: Hearing your baby cry, seeing a picture of your baby, or even thinking about your baby are capable of influencing a hormonal response to release milk;
(4) Oversupply: You may leak more often and over longer periods of time; and
(5) Breastfeeding: While feeding from one breast, it is quite common for the other side to leak (Nolan, 2018).
Shauna Nursing Pads from Canagoza are designed for comfort, ease of use, and sustainability. The pads are made of an outer waterproof (spillproof) printed PUL fabric, which is actually a composite fabric (polyester laminated with TPU).
The inner parts of our pads are made from bamboo cotton. Bamboo can be antibacterial and antifungal. Bamboo is also breathable. One of the disadvantages of plastic pads is that they retain moisture. They are thus capable of contributing to bacterial growth and sore nipples (Parker, 2015).
Shauna Nursing Pads are cheaper than disposable nursing pads in the long term. By using reusable nursing pads, this reduces the ecological footprint.
Canagoza attaches a lot of importance on the benefits of breastfeeding and recognizes the health benefits for both mom and baby. Shauna Nursing Pads have been designed for comfort and support during this time.
The features of Shauna Reusable Nursing Pads are summarized below:
(1) Inner layer of bamboo cotton fabric
(2) Outer layer of PUL fabric
(3) Slim and comfortable
(4) Substantial wicking and absorbing properties for a stay-dry feeling
(5) Chemical free and reduces ecological footprint
(6) Washable and significantly durable
Uses
1. Soaks Milk Leakage
The primary use of Shauna Nursing Pads is to soak up milk leakage and protect your outerwear.
2. Helps in Soothing Tenderness
Breastfeeding causes nipples to become tender. Nursing Pads provide a soft medium between your nipples and bra, thereby preventing rubbing on the bra. The pads offer relief between feeding sessions, helping your nipples to recover (Arora, 2018).
3. Refines Appearance
While lactating, your breasts can become tender and lose firmness. Even a supporting bra cannot maintain appearance.
Nursing pads can offer more support and improve appearance by holding your breasts in place (Arora, 2018).
When and why to use Shauna Nursing Pads?
(1) In the final stages of pregnancy and early weeks after delivery,
(2) When you are not going to be near your baby for more than two-three hours,
(3) If your milk production is overabundant,
(4) While sleeping, and
(5) When you return to a professional setting after maternity leave (Arora, 2018).
Nursing Pads & Nipple Care
Particularly if you are a first-time mama, your nipples will need a little time to adjust to breastfeeding.
Coconut oil can be tremendously helpful for soothing. Its antifungal properties can help prevent thrush (“The best eco-friendly breastfeeding supplies for nursing moms,” 2019).
How to Use Nursing Pads
Step 1
Choose Shauna Nursing Pads.
Step 2
Place the nursing pads inside your bra so they are centered on your nipples. Return your bra strap to its natural place.
If you are using a cream or ointment for sore nipples, apply it before putting the nursing pad in place.
Step 3
Position your nursing pad. Before you put on your shirt, ensure your nursing pad is still aligned with your nipple. If it is not, simply reposition the pad.
Step 4
Change the pads as soon as they get wet. Gently remove the pad from your nipple (Parker, 2015).
Step 5
Wipe off your breast. Wetness can lead to irritation. If you have any lingering moisture or dried milk on your breast, wipe it away gently with a soft cloth, such as First Bamboo Baby Wipe, and some lukewarm water.
Ensure your breast(s) is dry before substituting the Shauna Nursing Pad. This initiative is capable of minimizing the risk of irritation and potential infection.
Step 6
Replace the pads with fresh ones.
Caring for your Shauna Nursing Pads
It is advisable to wash the nursing pads before use. Doing so will loosen the fibers, thus increasing the capacity of the fibers to absorb.
Soaking is not recommended. Soaking agents can damage the TPU.
Do not bleach or use fabric softeners. Do not also wash in hot water, as this can damage the TPU.
Always wash in cool water and place the pads outside to dry. The ultraviolet (UV) rays of the sun kill bacteria.
Please note: Clean your reusable nursing pads with a mild (gentle) detergent or hypoallergenic soap to help avoid irritation or infection of your nipples
Identifying Hypoallergenic Soaps
Many modern soaps and cleansers are not the traditional soaps of the past, made with just oil and an alkali. Instead, they are made with additional harsh detergents, dyes, fragrances, and other additives that are more likely to sensitize your skin (Parker, 2015).
Hypoallergenic soaps and skin cleansers contain mild ingredients (Parker, 2015).
It is best to purchase soaps with the following ingredients:
(1) Glycerine and other natural moisture barriers: These barriers help the skin retain its moisture;
(2) Plant-based oils such as pure virgin olive oil or coconut oil: These oils are less likely to clog skin pores and cause irritation; and
(3) Colloidal oatmeal: It has natural saponin to create foam and lather (Ruddock, 2015).
Please click on (or tap on) the following link to access/view the "References": References -- Shauna Nursing Pads.doc