I preferred different nursing pads at different times after DD was born. The Lanisoh pads were good right away, but this time around I might invest in something even more absorbent for immediately after baby is born. The Nuk Ultra-Thin nursing pads were great once my supply was in and predictable (closer to when I returned to work).
I only used the Lanisoh. I did leak when dd1 was eating from the other side (quite a bit but I think that had more to do with I spent quite a bit of time topless to try to help my poor nips dry and heal) but they were so absorbent I could use them over a few days if I needed to.
I use washable ones. The bamboo heart shaped ones look nice, but I just have cheap round ones, Gerber and some other brands. They show more than the disposable, but I use them so long it was much cheaper for me. And I was pretty tired, so I didn't really care. Better than leaking
I have some washable ones I got free-for-shipping, which I'm looking forward to trying because they're in fun patterns. I also really like the Lansinoh disposables.
I used disposable in the hospital and when we were out and about. Had a few sets of washable ones that I used the rest of the time. I preferred to sleep in the washable ones. I used Nuk and Medela washable. Lansinoh dispoables were the only disposables I liked.
I used washable ones while I was on maternity leave. They can show through thin clothing because they're thick and don't taper on the sides. By the time I went back to work, leaking was pretty under control.
I like the lansinoh disposables. I used them constantly. I only used a box or two so for me, cost wasn't a big concern. I thought about purchasing reusables, but I despise doing laundry. Plus I changed mine frequently to avoid the milk smell, and would have had to wash frequently. No one ever noticed the smell but me. I also used them anytime my nipples got sore to protect not just from leaking, but to keep my nipple cream in place and off of my clothes. Most of my leaking was over in the first few weeks, so most my pads were used for lanolin protection purposes. Some creams can leave a residue or spot on your clothes even after washing, so I didn't take any chances.
My friend recommended Lilypadz. I'm a FTM so I don't have any personal experience with them. I was thinking of ordering a pair as my reusable set. I was lucky enough to get a few boxes of disposable ones from friends that has them left over.
I had a ton of them (both washable and disposable) and never really needed them. I still have boxes of disposables from 3 years ago. I hope they are still good.
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I couldn't see spending $10-15 on disposable pads and I can't find the ones that you can wash in stores here. I decided to use shoulder pads from an old jacket. So far it has worked well!
I have some washable ones I got free-for-shipping, which I'm looking forward to trying because they're in fun patterns.
I used these also. Got 20 sets for like $12 and I'm planning on using them with this baby as well. I nursed my son for 16 months (or something like that) and I've only used these and another kind that was bought for me. Can't remember the brand, plain white but worked great and comfy.
I am a FTM and to be honest nursing pads and leakage isn't something I have really given thought to. After reading this thread last night, I went out and bought some just to be prepared for when I may need them. Thanks ladies!
I really like bamboo nursing pads as I found them easy and comfortable on my sensitive skin and very absorbent. Being eco-friendly is a big plus for me too! In fact, I already have these in my hospital bag - I'm having baby #3 next month
Re: Nursing pads
Also here's a ladies pros and cons on a bunch of different disposable ones That I found helpful
https://www.babble.com/baby/the-best-and-worst-disposable-nursing-pads/