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How
to choose feeding equipment
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Breast pads
Designed to soak up the excess milk coming from your breasts between feeds, breast pads just slip into the cup of your bra, helping to keep you dry, clean and comfortable as well as preventing embarrassing stains that might otherwise come through your clothing. Breast pads are generally manufactured from environmentally friendly materials, and are usually a mix of absorbent and padded layers with moisture proof backings. They are usually sold in packs of 30, 40, 50 or 100.
In the early weeks you will get through lots of breast pads as the milk flow is vigorous. Constantly damp nipples can make your breasts sore, so you will need to change the pads at least every morning, night, and after each feed. Once your milk production is settled you are less and less likely to leak, and may not need breast pads at all.
Some breast pads are contoured to the shape of the breast, and the most popular brand has a nipple indent which helps keep it in place. A more economical type is a square shape with no contours.
Most brands of breast pad are disposable, but you can buy a machine washable variety, usually sold in packs of six.