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Ultra-breathable nursing pads

4.5 (537)

Milk leakage is common as milk ‘comes in’ and supply establishes.1 Ultra-breathable Nursing Pads absorb 50x their own weight to help keep you dry and confident. Just 1.6mm thin and contoured to remain discreet, they’re super-soft on skin and individually wrapped to keep them clean, hygienic, and portable.

How to buy

Absorbs 50x its weight, keeping you dry
20% more breathable than the leading competition
Extra-Thin, discreet and super-soft

Features & Benefits

Triple-layer absorbency
The polymer core and leak guard design absorb leaks even during heavy let-down moments.
20% more breathable*
Outer layer promotes airflow and reduces moisture build-up.
* than the leading competition
Discreet under clothing
Just 1.6mm thin and contoured to remain invisible under clothing.
Gentle on skin
Skin-touch layer with honeycomb lining, dermatologically tested & hypoallergenic .
Convenient for on-the-go
Pads are individually wrapped to keep them clean, hygienic and portable. Perfect for your hospital bag, handbag, or any busy day.

Parts included & General information

Choose between packs of:

1 x 30 individually wrapped nursing pads
1 x 60 individually wrapped nursing pads
1 x 120 individually wrapped nursing pads
1 x 200 individually wrapped nursing pads

Configuration may vary from country to country.

Instructions for use & Downloads

Leaking breasts: What you need to know (pdf)

Recommended by Experts and Midwifes Based on advanced research and observing natural behavior.

Recommended by Experts and Midwifes

Effective relief for Milk Stasis and helps clear blocked ducts, reducing discomfort and supporting breast health.
Encourages natural milk expression, ensuring a steady supply for your baby while preventing supply issues.
Developed based on scientific studies and inspired by natural infant suckling patterns for safe and effective use.

Individually wrapped - hygienic & portable

Wrapper made with 25% less plastic.

Secure fit, simple application

Easy-fit design with one release paper and two adhesive strips.

Side leak guards for added protection

Help contain breast milk, offering you extra security and confidence.

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

What are nursing pads?

Nursing pads are inserts for your bra that help absorb breast milk leakage during your breastfeeding journey. Medela’s Ultra-breathable Nursing Pads are disposable and will help save you multiple loads of extra laundry.

How do I use nursing pads?

1. Remove the paper on the back to expose the adhesive strip.
2. Place the pad inside your bra with the sticky side against the fabric.
3. Align the contoured shape to sit naturally against your breast.
4. Replace every 3–4 hours, or when the pad feels damp.

Why do I use nursing pads?

Up to 70% of mothers experience breast milk leakage—especially during the first weeks postpartum3. For many mothers, this decreases over time as milk supply and demand is set. Nursing pads help manage leakage that occurs during and between breastfeeding or pumping sessions. For more information on leakage: Leakage infographic.

What material are Medela’s Ultra-breathable Nursing Pads made of?

Medela’s Ultra-breathable Nursing Pads are primarily made from polyethylene (PE), combined with a core composed of wood pulp, fluff pulp (paper), and an absorbent polymer.

Are there any harmful chemicals in the nursing pads?

We always prioritise your and your baby’s safety. The Ultra-breathable Nursing Pads do not contain harmful chemicals, are dermatologically tested, and are hypoallergenic.

How absorbent are Medela’s Ultra-breathable Nursing Pads?

Our Ultra-breathable Nursing Pads can absorb more than 40ml of breast milk. The triple-layered core and leak guard design help contain leaks even during heavy let-down moments.

How often do I need to change nursing pads?

For hygienic reasons, it’s recommended that the Nursing Pad is changed every 3-4 hours. Always replace your pads when they feel damp to help maintain nipple health and avoid irritation or bacterial growth.

How many nursing pads will I need per week/day?

It’s recommended to change your Ultra-breathable Nursing Pads every 3-4 hours so you typically need around 12 pads a day—6 per breast. This may vary depending on your milk flow and the stage of your breastfeeding journey.

Can I wear the nursing pads overnight, and will they leak?

Our Ultra-breathable Nursing Pads can also be worn overnight, however, it is recommended to change the pad if you leak every 3-4 hours or when you feed your baby overnight.

Is it safe to wear nursing pads all day?

It’s safe to wear Ultra-breathable Nursing Pads all day; however, for hygienic reasons, it’s recommended that the pad be changed every 3-4 hours. Prolonged dampness can lead to irritation or discomfort.

Can I reuse/wash my nursing pad?

No. Medela’s Ultra-breathable Nursing Pads are single-use and disposable. For reusable options, explore our Washable Bra Pads.

How do nursing pads stay in place?

The pad’s back has a wide adhesive strip that adheres to the material of your bra to keep it securely in place. Its contoured shape helps it stay aligned with your natural form without bunching or slipping.

Can I use a breastfeeding pad without a bra?

A bra helps keep the pad securely in place. For best results, pair with a Medela Nursing Bra.

Are Medela’s Ultra-breathable Nursing Pads discreet?

Our Ultra-breathable Nursing Pads are only 1.6mm thin, so they are not noticeable under clothing. They are contoured to the shape of the breast and sit smoothly under most bras.

Can nursing pads cause skin irritation?

Our Ultra-breathable Nursing Pads are dermatologically tested and hypoallergenic. They feature a skin-touch honeycomb lining designed to be gentle on sensitive skin. We recommend not using the product if any signs of irritation appear. Seek medical advice if the nipple-areola area presents with redness or itchiness, as it may be an indicator of infection.

Can I use nursing pads when I have sore nipples?

Our Ultra-breathable Nursing Pads can also be used in cases of nipple soreness. To help soothe sore or dry nipples, the Ultra-breathable Nursing Pads can be combined with our Medela Purelan™ Lanolin Cream or Medela Organic Nipple Balm. Generally, it is important to change soiled pads frequently to keep the breast and nipple area as dry as possible to minimize potential problems such as infection or nipple soreness. Please seek medical advice for sore or dry nipples, or if you are experiencing breast pain and signs of mastitis.

When I remove my nursing pad, I find that my nipple is stuck and it hurts when I pull it off. How do I keep it from sticking to my nipple?

Apply a small amount of Medela Purelan™ Lanolin Cream or Medela Organic Nipple Balm after every feed to avoid your skin adhering to the nursing pad. This also helps soothe dry or sensitive nipples.

Do all women need nursing pads?

Not all women experience leaking breasts, but almost 70% of all mothers experience breast milk leakage after birth.2 Nursing pads offer peace of mind and protection, especially in the early days when leaking is more likely.

Can I wear nursing pads during pregnancy?

Medela’s Ultra-breathable Nursing Pads are safe to use at any time. Occasionally, some women experience some milk leakage during the later months of pregnancy. However, this is not common.