Gel pads and nipple cream

keleknoff

Hi new moms!  I'm going to be a FTM in February and plan to BF.  I've heard that I should get some cooling gel pads for sore nipples and nipple cream.  But I'm not sure what brands/types to buy.  Do you have any recommendations? 

NoeliaV

I got the soothies brand, but only used them once. First, it worried me when the insert said you needed to wash off your nipples b4 the next feeding, and second, it hurt to pull them off my bewbs.

I also had/have the breast shells and those were way more effective at helping the soreness, imo.

MidaComida

I second that the gel pads made me nervous when they said to wash off before feeding. I use Lansinoh cream and it works wonders. Actually someone gave me an awesome tip to use it the last month of pregnancy to promote moisture and IMHO because I did, I've never had cracked nipples and BF has been wonderful.

coolhandjade

I used the soothies my first week and I loved them!! They gave them to me in the hospital and my nurse said it was fine to feed her after. Never had an issue with that. They did kind of hurt to remove sometimes, but the cooling feeling definitely outweighed the split second of ouch when you take them off.

 I agree with pp who said to use the lanolin before you have the baby. It definitely helped me too. Even just once or twice a week when you get out of the shower, it will be good.  

MommaAmers

I used lanolin with DS, but have been using Earth Mama Angel Baby Nipple Butter this time and I like it much better.

They gave me gel pads in the hospital, but I haven't needed them at all.

LGalipp19

Target sells breast therapy pads that you can freeze or microwave and they have been a life saver for me in this cold weather. My nipples get super sore when I'm cold so I heat them up almost everytime I leave the house.

keleknoff

Thank you so much, ladies... I know you're probably super busy right now.  I'll take your awesome advice and get some cream/butter to start early and I'll look into the breast therapy pads.  All the best to you and your new little ones!!

NoeliaV

FWIW, I prefer to just use breastmilk on my sore nips. The lanolin is fine, honestly, but it's easier to just use milk and it has antibacterial properties.

bellebk

Be careful with gel pads and lanolin, I have been dealing with a yeast infection on my  breasts for over two weeks. when your milk comes in, leaks on the pads and the nips don't dry out enough during the day you can get a yeast infection. I didn't know this and it hurts like hell.