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Disclaimer: The information in this post is for educational purposes only. I am not a doctor. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. None of the opinions are meant to diagnose or treat any disease or illness. You should always consult your healthcare provider.


How to Make Your Own Breast Pads

How to Make Your Own Breast Pads - BreastfeedingPlace.com #nursing #tutorial #sewing #accessoriesFor most breastfeeding women, nursing pads are a necessity. Leaking happens. We’ve all wanted to keep from being embarrassed by having a wet shirt, so breast pads can become one of our new best friends.  The cost of disposable breast pads adds up, plus they can be uncomfortable. Buying reusable breast pads requires an upfront cost, and for some women, the pads can be too small. What’s the solution to spending a lot of money on breast pads? Make your own breast pads. Making your own breast pads is simple, cheap, and eco-friendly.

Supplies needed to make your own breast pads

  • Fabric (you can use a lot of different kinds; I’ve put some suggestions below)
  • Fabric marker
  • Circle template (4-6 inches across)
  • Scissors
  • Thread
  • Sewing machine or serger

Steps to make your own breast pads

  1. Prewash your fabric to prevent shrinkage after the breast pads are sewn. Any fabric can be used as long as it is absorbent. For example, hemp fleece, bamboo velour, or cotton sherpa are all good choices. If you want the breast pads to be waterproof, you can use PUL. If you still want your nipples to breath more, you can use fleece or felted wool on the outside. I used a flannel receiving blanket, a baby’s bath towel, and Babyville PUL.
  2. With a fabric marker, trace a circle using your circular template as a guide. I used a music CD, which is about 5 inches across.
  3. Cut out the circles. On each breast pad, I used two layers of flannel, one layer of cotton, and one layer of PUL. You don’t have to use four layers yourself, but keep in mind your breast pads do need to be absorbent.
  4. Layer the circles. If you use different fabrics for different layers, put the softest fabric on the inside closest to your nipple, the most absorbent fabric at the core (i.e. the middle layer), and a waterproof or water-resistant fabric (like PUL) on the outside, so that no milk leaks through into your bra. If you use PUL, do not use sewing pins to keep the layers together. Use bobby pins instead.
  5. If you have a sewing machine, zig zag the layers together. If you have a serger, serge the layers.

What type of breast pads to you use? Have you made your own breast pads before? After reading this post, will you try to make your own breast pads?


Sarah is a Christian, wife, and mother of two. She is a nurse by training but has stayed at home with her daughter for almost 4 years. During Sarah’s free time, you can find her knitting, sewing, and blogging over at her personal blog over: Wife, Mummy, Nurse.

Comments

  1. Dena Duncan says

    Hi, Sarah. I am making nursing pads for my daughter and I found wicking fabric at JoAnn Fabrics. I have PUL, Flannel, cotton batting (quilt), and the Wick fabric. I noticed in all the PINs I have read, no one has tried the Wicking for the layer that touches the skin. Have you ever tried it or know of anyone who has? Seems like a really good idea to take the moisture away from the skin.

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