Navigating the post-partum season is daunting enough, so we’ve put together this handy guide on how to use breast pads, so it’s one less thing to figure out while you adjust to parenthood.
Having a baby comes with a whole lot of questions and uncertainty around all the new things your body, your baby, and your family will be facing. With timing to think about, managing milk supply, and learning your baby’s cues, figuring out nursing is daunting enough. Our breast pads are designed with mums in mind, so you can easily fit them into your new nursing routine.
Whether you breastfeed or bottle-feed your baby, you are likely to need breast pads in the early weeks of motherhood. Many new mothers experience leaking as their milk supply regulates, and breast pads provide a simple and effective way to stay dry and comfortable throughout the day. They help prevent milk stains on clothing, reduce discomfort from dampness, and offer peace of mind whether you're at home or on the go.
This simple guide explains how to use breast pads, how often to change breast pads, and how many breast pads to pack in your hospital bag, so you have one less thing to worry about as you prepare for life with your little one.
My son was born via emergency C-section after I developed complications during labour. And yet, despite going through all of this, I found that nobody really wanted to listen to how I was doing emotionally, not just physically. The focus was on my physical recovery after birth, and my new baby (of course). There wasn’t room for me to say “hey, that was a little scary and I need to tell someone right now.” I really had no idea that my birth would affect me the way it did: I was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder and later, postpartum depression. Throughout this, it still felt as if I shouldn’t talk about how my son’s delivery profoundly affected me, and as I was reminded by a couple of well-meaning grannies, I shouldn’t complain when I’d given birth to a healthy baby, the intended outcome of any labour.
What I wish I'd known then in the aftermath of childbirth is that it’s okay to feel a range of emotions about what just happened. Besides doing something wondrous and miraculous, you may have been afraid or in pain or really, really nervous about all that was going on. What helped me to cope the most was talking to other moms who were open and realistic about their births. Some moms were mourning the birth they’d planned and hoped for, others felt let down by their bodies after not delivering vaginally. Even the moms who had straightforward deliveries said that childbirth had a profound effect on them — a friend recently told me that she’s thought about her daughter’s birth every day for the last two years.
Since then I have been of the firm opinion that talking openly and honestly about our experiences empowers other moms. There’s no one ‘correct’ emotional response to something as primal and life-changing as childbirth.
Motherhood is a wild ride with a smorgasbord of emotions and there’s no reason to sanitise our very first induction into it. Childbirth, like life itself, is beautiful, messy, wild and sometimes a little more than we expected. Let’s make it possible for mothers to revel in this complexity, rather than suppress them from the very start of their fourth trimester.
This blog post is part of our Lil-Lets Talk about Becoming a Mom series where real moms share the physical and emotional realities of motherhood that aren’t spoken about openly enough. Join the conversation.
Our breast pads are individually wrapped for convenience and on-the-go use. When you’re ready to use one, simply open the wrapper and unfold the breast pad.
Remove the release tape covering the adhesive strips on the back of the pad. These will keep your breast pad securely fastened to your bra.
Finally, slip the pad into your bra, with the adhesive patches facing your bra, and the soft, absorbent side touching your nipple. Our breast pads are designed with flexi-fit and will gently contour to the shape of your breast for a comfortable fit.
Depending on how much leakage you experience, you may need to change your breast pads more or less frequently. It’s easy to change them when you feed your baby, so consider keeping your breast pads handy if you have a favourite nursing spot. This also ensures you are changing your breast pads every 3 to 4 hours, which is ideal for hygiene purposes.
It’s best to change your breast pads during each feed to keep your skin healthy and maintain good hygiene. However, if you experience heavy leakage between feeds, changing them more frequently will help keep you dry, comfortable, and prevent irritation.
How often to change breast pads depends on you and your level of leakage. It’s a good idea to change them after every feed, or replace them when they are saturated.
No, you don’t need to wear breast pads all the time. How often you wear breast pads depends on you. Some mums wear them all the time if they are nursing, or for the first few weeks following birth when breast milk comes in, while others choose to wear them only if they are out and about.
Yes, breast pads are safe to use. It's important to change them regularly to prevent any buildup of moisture or bacteria, which can lead to irritation that can sometimes lead to mastitis.
No, Lil-Lets breast pads do not expire, but for optimal adhesive performance, it’s best to use them within 4 to 5 years. It’s also a good idea to store them in a cool, dry place to maintain their quality over time.
How many breast pads you’ll need depends on your level of leakage, but most mums go through 3 pairs a day. This is also a good guideline of how many breast pads to take to hospital in your hospital bag.
If you’re leaking a significant amount of breast milk and needing to change your breast pads every 1–2 hours, you may have an oversupply of milk. This is a common issue and can often be managed by adjusting your baby’s feeding routine, ensuring they feed regularly without long gaps between sessions.
While an oversupply of breast milk is usually not a cause for concern, in some cases, it can lead to discomfort, engorgement, or even mastitis. If you experience pain, persistent leaking, or other concerns, it’s best to consult a healthcare professional for advice.
The super absorbent polymers (SAP) used in our breast pads, as well as in many other absorbent products, are designed to lock in breast milk by turning into a gel upon contact. However, if you’ve noticed significant swelling or the seal breaking, it may help to change the pad more frequently—especially after a large milk release or prolonged wear.
Rest assured, SAP is considered non-toxic and has a long history of safe use in products like nappies, period products, and breast pads. However, if you’re worried about the possibility of your baby coming into contact with the gel, we recommend reaching out to your doctor for further reassurance and guidance.
