Homemade Nursing Pads Tutorial

With baby #4 coming in just a few weeks the nesting phase has definitely set in. At the top of my seeing to do list were homemade nursing pads. I love-love-love these for so many reasons, mostly because they are so soft and reusable. They are easy to make too - check it out...

Supplies (yield 20 pair):

1 yard soft flannel

1/2 yard PUL (polyurethane laminate) - typically a cloth diaper fabric

Matching thread

Instructions:

1. With the fabric folded in half, mark as many 4" circles as you can fit on the flannel & PUL. I used a stadium cup and was able to mark 40 circles on the flannel and 20 on the PUL with each folder in half. 

2. Cut out the circles with the fabrics still in half, yielding twice as many 4" circles of each fabric. (80 flannel, 40 PUL). 

3. You will make a 3 layer fabric sandwich, made of 2 layers of flannel and one of PUL. With the shiny side of the PUL facing the flannel and the right side of the flannel facing out. Serger or zigzag stitch over the edge of the layers making sure to catch both the top and bottom layers. Trim threads. 

USE & WASHING INSTRUCTIONS: 

Change nursing pads promptly when wet/damp to prevent irritations and chapping. Hand wash used nursing pads with gentle laundry detergent* without fragrances, enzymes, bleach or phosphates --- typically for sensitive skin. Do not use fabric softener. (Nursing pads may also be washed with cloth diapers if you use them) Tumble dry low or air dry. 

If you develop a rash or irritation while using your nursing pads try a more gentle detergent. (Search detergents for cloth diapering)

*Suggested Detergent: 

Woolite for delicates (pink bottle)