Nursing pads & mama cloth?

[birdie22]

I'm new to this forum, so please move this if it belongs somewhere else.

I'm expecting, and would like to make myself some nursing pads. Last time, I bought a couple made by Medela, and was very disappointed. I ended up using disposable ones, but I would prefer cloth. I'm thinking they must not be too hard to make? And I could do them cheaply in a larger quantity?

While I'm at it, I would be interested in making cloth pads. Again, I've never actually used cloth, but I am intrigued. I am also a total tightwad.

I am a novice sewer with a basic machine. I do best when I have a pattern to follow.

Any advice or links would be appreciated! Thanks!!!

[love2bmom]

For the nursing pads I would just trace around a glass or even a disposable pad if you still have one. I made mine out of cotton flannel. I don't remember how many layers though. Sorry. I made some out of hemp as well.
There are lots of free mama cloth patterns on the web. I'd just use Google. Sorry I'm not more informative.

[ancoda]

mama pad patterns:
http://www.labyrinth.net.au/~obsidia...Ypads/DIY.html
http://www.diapersewing.com/clothpads.htm
http://www.downsizer.net/index.php?o...sk=view&id=128
this next one has links to several pattern, some are good others not so good, just thought I would warn you.
http://www.fuzbaby.com/articles/make...hmenstrualpads

I also know several WAHM that make mama pads rather cheap. PM me if you would like links to them.
And congratulation on the pregnancy.

[mehndi mama]

Have you checked the free DIY section on www.sleepingbaby.net? Jan's got a lot of really nice DIY projects, including pads

[birdie22]

Thanks for all your replies!

I'm feeling really inspired, and I even bought some cotton batting on sale to make Jan's cloth pads.

I've been thinking about making the nursing pads using a piece of an old bath towel sandwiched between cotton T-shirt layers. I know flannel is usually suggested, but I wonder if the T-shirt fabric would work OK. I guess the towel would make it extra thick, but I really want something super absorbent for post partum-- I'm a big leaker.

I also have some remnants of flannel and old receiving blankets around, so I'm sure I'll make some of those too.

Thanks again!

[kaylasclothkits]

Have fun! It sounds like you're on the right track!!!