Breastfeeding shells

Breastfeeding shells are a true revolution for our nipples during breastfeeding.

The very first moments of breastfeeding

During breastfeeding, and especially in those very first moments, we are incredibly sensitive. Our bodies have just been through quite a lot of unsettling events. Between the birth, the drop in our hormones, this new life beginning — our bodies and minds are truly put to the test.

You want the very best for your baby, and you've made the right choice. Breast milk is packed with so many benefits — both for yourself and for your baby. But in this practice, new routines take shape, and our nipples can sometimes struggle to keep up.

Breastfeeding shells to protect against friction

It's true that once you've finished a feed, you can experience some discomfort. Indeed, it's not uncommon to find our nipples a little irritated! This is perfectly normal — your baby pulls on them and drenches them in saliva, which can lead to this sort of sensation. As a result, putting on a top — or even just a bra — can feel quite challenging. Sensitive, our nipples can't bear anything against them!

This is because, inside, the mammary glands are becoming active, and it can often be a surprisingly painful experience. We therefore tend to become extremely tender and raw. Added to this is the pain of dry, cracked nipples. The shell will therefore, first and foremost, act as a barrier against any fabric that might come into contact with it. Beyond this, the breastfeeding shell can also aid in the healing process.

Breastfeeding shells as a healing aid

Indeed, breastfeeding shells can help us heal from the early stages of cracked nipples, dryness, and that tugging sensation. As mentioned above, breast milk has many benefits both for us and for our baby. It has healing and moisturising properties. The shape of the breastfeeding shell allows it to collect the small drops of milk that seep from our nipples.

This is what fills the shell and allows our nipples to soak in it. This promotes faster healing and soothing. We can also turn to other remedies to maximise our chances of relief.

Creams to help with relief alongside our breastfeeding shells

Creams designed to help combat cracked nipples and other discomforts associated with breastfeeding are always worth having. They help with soothing, repair, and relief of all those little complaints. This is because they are enriched with wool fat, more commonly known as lanolin.

This fat is "obtained through purification and refining of wool wax". It is prescribed in the context of inflammation (superficial burns, eczema, or psoriasis) because it aids skin regeneration. It is applied beneath our breastfeeding shells, which should be clean.

How to care for your breastfeeding shells

It is worth knowing that they must not be boiled. A simple rinse under water with soap after each use is sufficient. Exposing them to high temperatures would damage them and cause them to lose their shape. Indeed, it is worth noting that they come in different sizes depending on the size of the areola.

One last tip — don't hesitate to wear breastfeeding bras and to leave them unclipped, so that your chest is less compressed and therefore less prone to skin discomfort.