A multifunctional nursing pad for lactating mothers

Area of Science:

• Textile Science
• Materials Science
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Lactating mothers require effective solutions for managing breast milk leakage.
• Current nursing pads may lack sufficient absorbency, barrier properties, or antimicrobial features.
• Preventing skin infections and odor is crucial for nursing mothers' comfort and hygiene.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a novel dual-layer nursing pad with enhanced absorbency and antimicrobial properties.
• To assess the performance of the nursing pad under various conditions, including different fabric weights and antimicrobial concentrations.
• To determine the durability of the nursing pad's features after multiple washing cycles.

Main Methods:

• A dual-layer composite was created using viscose fabric (varying GSM) and a polyethylene outer layer.
• The composite was treated with 5%, 10%, and 15% antimicrobial finishes.
• Performance was tested for water absorbency, hydrostatic head, antibacterial activity, odor, air permeability, and hand feel, before and after 5 and 10 wash cycles.

Main Results:

• The developed nursing pad demonstrated excellent water absorbency and barrier properties.
• Antimicrobial treatment significantly inhibited bacterial growth and reduced odor.
• The composite maintained its key performance characteristics after 5 and 10 washing cycles.

Conclusions:

• The novel dual-layer nursing pad effectively addresses milk leakage, skin infections, and odor.
• The material exhibits desirable properties for lactating mothers, including durability and comfort.
• This research offers a promising solution for improved maternal hygiene and comfort during lactation.