This may sound really strange, but the issue of breast pads is one of the reasons why I decided to start blogging in the first place. I was so struck by the vast difference in quality of different products on the market and I wasted quite a bit of money trying to find something that wasn’t bulky and just all-around awful to wear. I really wanted to share my thoughts on the topic with other women (and I had a million other blog post topics, as well). And so, a post on disposable breast pad comparison was one of my first!
Since that time, I’ve learned SO much about all the different options out there for breastfeeding women. We aren’t limited to what we can find in the aisles of Target, ladies! And just like I now know that reusable diapers are an awesome option for babies, I’ve been intrigued by reusable options for breast pads, as well. Anything I can do to save some money and be a bit more eco-friendly is worth checking out!
Today I’m featuring a breast pad that is really and truly unlike anything else on the market, and after having seen it for myself up close and personal, I simply must sing its praises. I will be recommending LilyPadz to every single expecting and breastfeeding mama I know, for sure!
LilyPadz are reusable breast pads, but they are not made of any sort of cloth. They are made of silicone, which as you know, does NOT absorb any liquid. Scratching your head about how in the heck this could work as a breast pad? They are actually designed to keep your breasts from leaking at all in between feedings! AMAZING! They have a slightly tacky side that, when applied correctly, keeps pressure on the nipple and keeps you leak free until it is time to remove them and feed the baby. Now, I don’t think they can work a miracle and keep you leak-free for 8 hours when you have a newborn, or anything, but when used properly, women report great success with them.
I do think that this will not be the product I use for the first few weeks of breastfeeding, as I recall that being a time when my milk was sort of out of control. It was also a time when I needed to make frequent use of lanolin products. While you can use lanolin with LilyPadz, you are advised to use it sparingly and be extra careful to wash them well each day. I think that I’ll just turn to these once my hormones get a bit more under control and breastfeeding becomes slightly more predictable.
While I can’t yet speak to their effectiveness at preventing leaks, I have practiced applying LilyPadz and I can say that they are easy to apply. I’m also happy to report that they are SUPER DUPER THIN. Like, so thin I couldn’t really believe it. I may have actually squealed a little bit at the thought of getting to wear something so discreet this time around. Joy of joys!
LilyPadz do require an oil-cutting soap to be used on the pads daily in order to keep the tacky side working properly. I received a starter kit, which is what I would recommend to anyone interested in this product. It comes with one pair of LilyPadz, one bottle of LilyWash (a silicone cleanser) and one box of LilyWipes, which are great to use if you are away from home and need to clean the pads.
LilyPadz are a fabulous product, and I would highly recommend them to anyone! You can purchase a starter kit for $36.95, and can purchase them online here or check out the store locator for your nearest retail option.
Win it!: One lucky Stuff Parents Need reader is going to win a LilyPadz starter kit!