The Minky ones are good for the big let downs I wear them at night. I wear the usual bamboo ones in the day as the waterproofing protects your clothing.”– Melly Breast reconstruction methods create a smooth breast shape without a nipple or areola. For most people the breast reconstruction doesn’t feel complete until there is a nipple and areola. If you use your usual prosthesis when swimming, rinse it in clean water afterwards to get rid of any chlorine or salt. Are you a pregnant or nursing mom? If so, you’ve likely experienced milk leakage. Unexpected leakage or let-down is a common occurrence that can be embarrassing if you’re not prepared. Finally, breast pads also have the potential to irritate the skin around the nipple for some women. This is uncomfortable, but not serious. Nipple creams may be used in conjunction with breast pads to prevent irritation. Breast Pad Options

I love Bamboo Basix Breast Pads. They can get so full and you don’t notice they are wet until you take them out at the next feed.”– Clarissa Reusable breast pads are machine washable and can be used multiple times. They are made of various materials for improved comfort and absorbency. These prostheses are available if you have part of your breast removed. You wear it inside your bra and it is shaped to fill out the breast outline. It’s made of the same silicone material as most full prostheses. Shell prosthesis To look after your prosthesis, you should wash it in warm soapy water and dry it daily. Partial or shaped prosthesisBreast pads, also known as “nursing pads,” are absorbent, removable liners worn between a woman’s nipples and her bra. They act as a shield to protect clothing from milk leakage, preventing wet spots, and potential stains. If you’re using reusable breast pads and end up with thrush, be aware the yeast can live within the fabric of your breast pad despite regular washing. You will need to take some extra steps, such as washing your breast pads in hot water with bleach and heat drying, to kill the yeast to prevent a recurrence (4). Super soft, these breast pads just get softer with each wash. Made from double bamboo fleece for super absorbency, with a layer of waterproof fabric and cotton print on top.

Warm, moist environments also encourage fungal growth. One particularly bothersome fungus to nursing mothers is candida, which causes thrush. Thrush can occur in the baby’s mouth and the mother’s nipple, where it causes painful symptoms such as itching and a flaky rash (3). A nursing pad, also referred to as a breast pad, is a pad that is worn against the nipple and breast of a nursing mother to catch or absorb milk that leaks between feedings. They also protect sensitive nipples from rubbing or chafing. Some have adhesive to attach to your bra, and others are held in place by your bra.

If you or your baby have thrush, you’ll need to take some extra steps when cleaning your reusable breast pads as yeast can live in the fabric and survive the washing process. You can do this by: Before you hit the shops and decide on which breast pads are right for you, read our curated list of Australia’s best disposable and reusable breast pads to get you started in your search. Nursing pads come in two varieties: reusable and disposable. Your choice really depends on your preferences and lifestyle. Reusable pads are more economical and eco-friendly, but need to be washed and sometimes air-drying is recommended. Disposables are convenient but costly, and often come with a lot of plastic and waste. How to use nursing pads You can wear your usual prosthesis for the occasional swim or make your own swimming prosthesis by cutting an ordinary sponge to fit. However if you are a regular swimmer there are specially made swim prostheses that you can get. These you have to buy as they aren't available on the NHS. They don’t get damaged by the chorine and salt.