Breast pad questions

[Tatties]

I have a couple of questions for all you breastfeeders out there!
Firstly, how long have you worn breast pads for? I am asking because my ds is 8mths and I still wear them, not for leaking (I never really did) but for comfort. My nipples are really sensitive and I wouldn't like to have them rubbing against my bra. Has anyone else experience of this or am I abnormal?!!
And secondly, how have you found reusable breastpads in terms of comfort and discreetness? Which brand do you rate the best?
TIA

[NotQuiteCockney]

Don't your nipples bug you when you're not pregnant/breastfeeding, then?

I'm not sure what to recommend. My nipples aren't very tender, but also, they don't "rub" against my bra, as they stay still. Maybe a really soft bra, like the Bravado bra, would help? (Not great support, though.)

I used breast pads a bit with DS1, as I leaked a bit. I used the Avent ones. I found they were fine. Not very discreet, though.

[Tatties]

It's just since breastfeeding they have been sensitive. My nipples seem to stay more still with a breast pad, I think because one boob is always a bit smaller when just emptied so there's maybe a bit more room in the cup for as little while iyswim. I suppose it's more the seam I'm worried abut them rubbing/pressing against.

[NotQuiteCockney]

Ah, there's no seam on the cup of the Bravado bras. They're reasonably supportive, given the style.

(Anyway, with an 8-month-old, you're maybe not feeding as much, out and about? I mostly stopped wearing bf bras when DS2 was about a year, and could have done it earlier.)

[MrsSpoon]

With DS2 I didn't manage without breastpads until 11 months, which was a bit of a nightmare. I found the beast pads were the Johnson & Johnson ones, although I didn't try reuseables.

[teabagsandwine]

I found breastpads made my nipples look like embarrassingly large saucers through my tops. Despite claiming to be discrete I never found any that were. I did away with them early on (but then I have never really suffered from leaking or sensitivity.)

[MrsSpoon]

The pads do show through but without them I looked like I was entering a wet t-shirt comp.

[tricesawmummykissingsantaclaus]

I had to use pads up to 16 months last time. I found that if I hit a stressful time at work (meetings, presentations etc) I became the human fountain; which was a bit embarrassing really. I use lilypads at the moment which are silicone reusables, they are quite difficult to get back on properly after feeding but really comfortable and invisible under clothes.

[tricesawmummykissingsantaclaus]

lilypadz I mean. I bought them from a lovely lady who has a breastfeeding shop on ebay.

[suzi2]

I don't use them much but love Tommee Tippee ones - flat, discreet and wide. Have heard great things about lilypadztoo.