Breast pads: What are they and how can a nursing mother know when it’s time to use them?

Even during pregnancy, the expectant mother may experience leakage of her first milk - colostrum. And that's okay. But the process still causes discomfort, even if there is no reason to think about health problems. Breast pads are designed to cope with the unpleasant consequences of leakage, both during pregnancy and when feeding a baby. How to use them and what else to consider when breastfeeding - let's figure it out with YokoSun.

Why do you need breast pads

The mammary gland begins to prepare for lactation even during the stages of pregnancy. Already in the third trimester, the expectant mother’s breasts swell, change sensitivity, and the nipples change color. Usually, a few days before giving birth, the mammary gland is filled with colostrum. By the way, colostrum is considered the ideal nutrition for a newborn baby, because it contains a high concentration of nutrients.

Already during this period, due to the production of a large amount of hormones, milk may begin to be released from the breast. But still, most often this is encountered after childbirth, in the first months of feeding the baby or the formation of lactation - from the start to the mature stage of feeding.

During the period of lactation (2-3 months after birth), milk can be supplied continuously.

Its release occurs even with the slightest touch, massage or squeezing. But even after a while you may encounter leakage. For example, when feeding from one breast, milk may leak from the other. To cope with discomfort, nipple inserts are designed to absorb milk without leaving marks on underwear or clothes.

How to choose breast pads

The breasts of nursing mothers are the most sensitive. Cracks may appear on the nipples, which creates a risk of infection, and pain is common. Therefore, you should approach the choice of breast pads responsibly.

1. Security

You should not replace the inserts with improvised items. Bacteria and fungi can penetrate into cracks and cause infection. Therefore, it is better to use special hygiene products. So, everyYokoSun breast padcomes in a separate package. You can take them with you even individually, without fear of introducing harmful microorganisms.

2. Breathable material

In order for the nipples to have time to heal, the inserts must be breathable. It is important to prevent the “greenhouse effect”, so you should choose products that guarantee absorption. InYokoSun earbuds use Japanese gel absorbent that instantly absorbs up to 120 ml without leakage, and the outer layer is made of breathable and waterproof material.

3. Softness and comfort

The nipples actually become much more sensitive during the feeding period. The pain may be caused by rubbing against underwear or clothing. Therefore, even earbuds made from the most delicate material can cause discomfort due to the lack of fastening - they simply move when walking or other movements.

Give preference to inserts with an external sticky layer - to secure them to the bra. The thinner the earbud, the less noticeable it is to you and others. YokoSun's inserts are ultra-thin, only 2 millimeters thick, and are suitable for breasts of any shape and size. The soft 3D surface will relieve irritation.

4. Gentle composition

During the feeding period, small tubercles on the nipples begin to secrete secretions. It moisturizes and protects against infections. It is also believed that the newborn catches the smell of this secretion, which helps him get used to eating. However, scientists have not fully studied this mechanism.

One ​​thing is for sure: using nipple products with fragrances, irritating ingredients and harsh chemicals is definitely a bad idea. Inserts must be hypoallergenic and with natural composition. Thus, products from the YokoSun brand are made from fluff pulp and are recommended by dermatologists.

How to use breast pads

Not all breastfeeding women experience milk leakage. For example, someone may secrete a very small and even imperceptible amount of fluid. Therefore, if you are just getting ready to become a mother, but want to be fully equipped, do not buy a lot of funds. You can purchase one package and take it to the maternity hospital. YokoSun earbuds in small format (30 pieces).

If you do experience leakage, there is no reason to worry. Using the earbuds is extremely simple. The insert must be removed from the packaging, the protective layer of adhesive tape must be peeled off and placed on the bra cup. Make sure that the nipple is in the center of the insert.

As soon as you feel moisture, the insert should be replaced, and before using a new one, you need to clean the breasts of dried milk. Plain water will do for this, or if you are out and about, you can useYokoSun baby wipes.

They are hypoallergenic, do not contain fragrances, alcohol, and cleanse the skin without leaving a sticky feeling.