Medela softshells for sore nipples?

Re: Medela softshells for sore nipples?

• cindyhow

  February 2011

  I promise you it will get better!  Have you tried soothies (the kind you can stick in the frig and then put on) the shells help keep fabric off your nipples if that is bothering them, the shells won't cause an issue with latching (shells and shields are different things)  in fact the shell can help draw out the nipple to help with latching which might help with the pain.  IMO BF is way easier than pumping so stick with it and it will get better, things got a lot less painful at 2-3 weeks.

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• larrysdarling member

  February 2011

  The shells are great. I used them for at least 2 weeks.

  If you're not using lanolin, get some and use it after every feeding. Also, before you put it on, gently express some breastmilk onto your nipples and let them air dry.

  Don't use soap and/or lotions on your nipples as it can dry them out.

  Good luck and hang in there. It gets way less painful. My pain probably peaked at two weeks and got much better after that.
  

  

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• chemily8 member

  February 2011

  Have you tried a nipple shield? If it had not been for those I would have quit! Not something you want to use long term but if it is between that or quitting try them! At least until you heal.

  

  
  

  
  

  

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• nicobean1 member

  February 2011

  I had the best luck with Ameda Soothing Gel Pads.

  

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• MrsTato member

  February 2011

  My nipples were destroyed due to a poor latch, so I saw a lactation specialist who changed my life.  She prescribed an amazing nipple cream (Dr. Newman's nipple ointment) and gave me the softshells.  Within 4 days of using both, sleeping without a bra (or softshells) at night, and EPing to give my nips a break, I am almost healed.  I went back to the LS on day 5 and DS latched on perfectly with no pain for the first time ever.     

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• m_coulomb member

  February 2011

  Thanks ladies I really appreciate the advice. I guess i'm going to try and stick it out a few more weeks. *sigh*

  

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• saraboston

  February 2011

  I have them on right now! They're great for keeping pressure off your nipples. They don't cause any latching problems at all--if anything, they make your nipples protrude just a little and make it easier (they're very similar to the flat/inverted nipple shells). I use them now for about 20-30min after I pump when my nipples are all swollen and tender to give them time to go back to normal.
  

   
  

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• kcl22 member

  February 2011

  They're great!  They really helped me get through the first month.  This article is helpful: https://www.leron-line.com/updates/Wound_healing.pdf

  Stick with it; it gets SOO much better.  When you're sitting down to feed and anticipating the toe curling pain it never feels like I but it really does all of a sudden get better in a couple weeks.  It's worth it!

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