Silicone breastfeeding breast pads (for feeding): photo

Undoubtedly, every woman wants to give her child only the best, which means that most mothers try to feed their child exclusively with breast milk. The process of breastfeeding at first glance seems simple and does not require much effort, but sometimes a woman has to establish lactation even with the help of foreign objects. Breast pads are often such an assistant. They are necessary in rare cases, but many begin to use them for any deviations in the process of establishing lactation. It is worth noting that using breastfeeding shields where they can be done without them can further harm the natural feeding process.

Care and storage

The item needs constant monitoring of cleanliness and testing for suitability so that the child does not develop stomach diseases or intestinal infections.
Too frequent sterilization of the pad is not recommended due to the material from which it is made. Frequent washing will lead to loss of plasticity of the lining, which can damage the child’s jaw.

A few rules for care and storage:

1. After purchasing the new thing, you need to boil it;
2. Once the baby eats, the pad should be washed with soap and dried;
3. Boil once every two days for 2-4 minutes, preventing the appearance of bacteria;
4. Ideal for processing-sterilizer. If possible, it is worth purchasing it. Steaming daily for 5 minutes will allow the pad to last longer, maybe even several years;
5. Should be stored in the container included in the package.

Silicone or latex products require proper care, but you should not wash your breasts too often. Boiling and washing can destroy pathogenic bacteria; they can settle on the product. Heat treatment allows you to get rid of odors and return the nozzle to its original state.

Long-term use is harmful to mother and baby. The pad is used when the chest is damaged.

It is necessary to wean the child gradually, starting the process with the pad, then quickly and quietly removing it

It is important not to interrupt the process and do everything carefully. Natural feeding is best done after the baby wakes up. Day or night sleep helps the baby get comfortable, he will not notice the lack of adaptation. You can experiment: cut off pieces from the overlay piece by piece

The baby will have more contact with the exposed parts of the chest and will gradually get used to eating without a suction cup. If you have been using the feeding accessory for a long time, you should be patient; using the product for more than 5 months leads to addiction. It will be difficult for a newborn to get used to the new rules, and the process will drag on. The main thing is to spend more time with your child; frequent physical contact is useful. It will have a beneficial effect on the process of restoring nutrition. The child will quickly remember his mother’s smell and taste. It is worth abandoning breast substitutes. Remove pacifiers, pacifiers, and breast shields for a while. The baby will be forced to use his mother's breast. If a child refuses to take food without suction cups, then you can try to supplement him with a pipette and give him breastfeeding. This practice will lead to retraining of the baby. Experts say that often the time to restore a natural type of nutrition exceeds the time spent feeding using breast pads. Therefore, it is important to use them much less frequently; the ideal time is several days. Over such a period of time, the child does not have time to become very attached to them, and retraining the baby to eat from the mother’s breast does not take much effort and time.

The product is controversial. Young mothers suffering from skin diseases really need pads, but often women, due to poor awareness or laziness, use them for other purposes. Therefore, skin diseases and eating disorders appear in the baby. Before purchasing, it is recommended to consult with a specialist and talk about the specific reason for the child’s feeding problems. When purchasing, read the instructions carefully to avoid any deterioration for you and your baby.

An important point: what can lead to long-term use of pads?

At the time when nipple shields first came into production, all doctors explained their exceptional ease of use and only the positive aspects of feeding a baby with the help of this new assistant product for nursing mothers. However, after a few years it became clear that in the case of long-term use of onlays, many problems arise:

• Milk production is significantly reduced. This happens due to insufficient stimulation of the nipples: each time less and less nutrient fluid is formed;
• the sucking mechanism is disrupted. The baby begins to extract food more intensely, squeezes the nipple more strongly, and may bite the nipple shield. After refusing to use the product, the baby continues to suck in the same way, which often leads to even more severe injury to the delicate skin than before using this accessory;
• The baby doesn't eat enough. The baby needs more time to get the required portion of milk. However, babies spend energy very quickly, which is why they need many hours to recover. Often children cannot withstand such a long meal and fall asleep during the sucking process, naturally remaining hungry. Regular malnutrition leads to weight loss;
• tummy problems. During feeding, the baby often swallows air, which causes colic, increased gas formation and discomfort in the epigastric region.

Nipple shields are a great invention, but doctors do not recommend using them for a long time

Table: Pros and Cons of Using Nipple Covers

Kinds

Breastfeeding shields can be used under the following circumstances:

• painful feeding due to cracked nipples or excessive skin sensitivity. In the latter case, doctors recommend doing without pads: after some time, the skin of the nipples will harden and the discomfort will disappear;
• anatomical features of the breast. For example, flat or inverted nipples, an areola that is too large for the baby to wrap his lips around, or a very long nipple that does not fit in the baby’s mouth;

Breastfeeding shields are needed in certain cases

• a strong flow of milk causing the baby to choke;
• structural features of the baby’s oral cavity, which makes it difficult for him to tightly grasp the nipple;
• a child belonging to a “special group”. This includes premature or severely underweight babies and children with developmental disorders of the central nervous system. As a rule, they are too weak to actively suckle at the mother's breast or lack a sucking reflex;
• returning to breastfeeding after the baby has been bottle-fed for some time;
• the period when the baby begins to cut teeth, and he can injure the nipple with them.

The material from which the pad is made depends on:

• the ability to make the feeding process comfortable;
• Ease of use;
• durability;
• price.

Rubber

These pads were popular in the past, but are now rarely sold and are not recommended for use. They are a regular pacifier, which is attached to the chest using a plastic or glass circle.

The main disadvantages of this design:

• the child is at a great distance from the chest (at least 2.5 cm), so it is impossible to give his body the correct position, which can negatively affect the formation of the bite;
• nipple stimulation does not occur, which is why the concentration of prolactin in a woman’s blood gradually decreases, which leads to a decrease in the amount of milk produced;
• Some of the milk accumulates in the lining and begins to leak out to the sides without getting into the baby’s mouth, as a result of which the baby does not get enough to eat and begins to lose weight.

Latex

Latex overlays have an ergonomic shape, tightly fit the nipple and areola, are thin and flexible, so they do not have the disadvantages inherent in rubber products.

However, latex models cannot be called ideal for the following reasons:

• sometimes they cause an allergic reaction to latex in babies;
• products of this type have an unpleasant “rubber” smell and taste;
• latex is not strong enough, the linings made from it quickly fail, especially if the child is teething.

You can distinguish latex products from silicone ones by their opacity and the yellowish color inherent in the material.

Silicone

The most popular type of linings, which has practically no disadvantages.

Silicone breastfeeding pads are the best

Silicone models:

• perfectly follow the shape of the breast;
• fit tightly to the skin;
• thin enough not to interfere with breast stimulation;
• have no smell.

Among other advantages that distinguish silicone pads from their rubber and latex counterparts:

• hypoallergenic;
• strength;
• durability;
• affordable price.

Silicone pads today can most often be seen on pharmacy displays.

There are also overlays:

• standard, designed for the average breast;
• specialized, which will be useful for women who have the above-mentioned anatomical features of the structure of the mammary glands.

Review

A short digest of nipple covers from popular brands is as follows.

Philips Avent

Protective breast pads are made of soft and thin silicone, odorless and tasteless. They take good care of sore or cracked nipples during breastfeeding. Thanks to the anatomical shape, the baby continues to feel the mother's warmth and smell.

The Avent brand has the following sizes:

• small 15 mm, which is intended for nipples with a diameter of less than 10 mm;
• standard 21 mm – for nipples with a diameter of up to 20 mm.

Price – from 500 to 650 rubles.

Medela Contact

Buyers consider Medela to be one of the leaders producing accessories for mothers. The Contact nipple shield is made of ultra-thin and safe medical silicone. There is a cutout at the top of the accessory to support tactile sensations and preserve the olfactory effect when the baby smells the mother and her warmth.

The Medela brand produces Contact nipple shields in sizes:

• S – less than 18 mm;
• M – equal to 18-24 mm;
• L – more than 2.4 cm.

Such pads are sold in 2 pieces per package for 430-580 rubles, along with a container for storing them.

Ameda

The size of Ameda breast pads is universal, the diameter of the nipple base is 2.4 cm, or 24 mm. The cost of Ameda A Mita brand products is 2,304 rubles.

Tommee Tippee

Tommee Tippee Soft Universal Nipple Covers are very flexible. They reduce pain and help establish blood pressure. Suitable even for newborns, from the first day of life. The nipple with rough rings resembles the natural structure of mother's skin. The side holes on the nipple create additional channels on all sides, not just the front. The size of the pads is 7.5 cm x 6 cm x 2.5 cm, they are packaged in a heat-resistant container, which is sterilized together with the pads.

The price can vary from 300 to 700 rubles for a pair of silicone accessories in a package.

Chicco

Italian breastfeeding pads from the Chicco brand, made of medical silicone, are ultra-thin and flexible. They help preserve the tactile sensations of the baby and mother even through a flexible plate. The size of each of the overlays is 75x65 mm. The price of a package with a pair of pads is 470-550 rubles.

Pigeon

Pigeon breast pads are indispensable if there are cracks and abrasions on the nipples, their retracted and flat shape. Made of flexible, thin and soft silicone, they fit perfectly to the surface of the nipple and protect it from injury. At the same time, the milk passes perfectly through the holes in the plate and saturates the baby. Such accessories are available in sizes M up to 10 mm and L - up to 13 mm. The price at the pharmacy is 480-500 rubles per package.

Why do you need pads when breastfeeding?

Unless the mother has difficulty leaking excess fluid, do not use inserts. If women are faced with excessive leakage, then bra pads will become the main assistants, eliminating the difficulties.

It is important to choose the right gaskets; you should not skimp or use them not according to the instructions, otherwise the cracks will not dry out as needed, and the content of harmful bacteria in the milk will increase. When choosing, the material of production should be taken into account - cheap materials will cause allergies or harm the breasts

KARONASTOP - herbal mixture for immunity

Today, the herbal mixture “KARONASTOP” is in great demand. The popularity is justified primarily by the fact that the collection contains 16 herbs, thanks to which the product is able to help maintain immunity, while widely affecting all internal organs. The fame of the healing effects of the drink spread quite quickly, its effectiveness was appreciated by many people, for whom it significantly improved their quality of life and provided significant assistance in supporting the immune system during viral and infectious diseases.

Now this is more important than ever!

• Supports immunity
• The collection contains 16 herbs

  which will help restore immunity, provide a full charge of ALL necessary vitamins; will protect you from viruses!

• All plants are collected in the cleanest ecological places!

  increases skin firmness and elasticity, eliminates and prevents stretch marks.

Go to the supplier's website
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Selection of overlays for hot water

Products are latex or silicone. The first material is natural, created from the sap of the tropical Hevea tree. The second is a synthetic polymer. Both options are hypoallergenic and non-toxic. In general, their characteristics are similar, but there are still differences:

• Silicone pads are tighter, less susceptible to deformation and therefore last longer.
• Latex pads should not be treated with boiling water, as they will wrinkle and crack. This does not happen with silicone products.
• Latex models are much cheaper than silicone ones.

There is another option on sale - a combined one. These attachments have the tip that the baby sucks on, made of latex or silicone, and the base, adjacent to the areola of the woman's breast, made of rubber. Such products are the cheapest, but it is still better not to choose them - they have a strong rubber smell, quickly break down, and can cause an allergic reaction.

Philips Avent

Philips Avent nipple covers (UK) are made of thin, soft silicone, tasteless and odorless. The range includes products in only two sizes - small and standard. The price for a package of 2 pieces is approximately 650 rubles.

Among the disadvantages that may be important for someone is the large diameter of the pad and the miniature cutout for the nose of babies, so during feeding the baby does not come into contact with the skin of his mother’s breast. Also, reviews note that there are quite large holes (1 in the center and 3 along the perimeter of the artificial nipple), which may result in excessive milk leakage.

Medela

Swiss Medela onlays are made entirely of ultra-thin silicone. Very light. Each (2 pieces in one package) weighs only 20 grams. They have a fairly large cutout in the upper part, so when feeding, the baby rests not against the synthetic material, but against the mother’s skin. They have 4 holes for milk to flow out, arranged in a diamond shape.

The box costs approximately 730 rubles. The recommended period of daily use is 5 months, then it is better to change the pads for new ones. When washing, you can use boiling water, which allows you to more thoroughly disinfect the product.

Chicco

Italian product made of silicone. There is a box with 2 pcs. within 620 rub. The kit includes a convenient container in which you can store the pads or take them with you on the road (a box with dimensions of 6x12x13 cm will not take up much space in your bag). By the way, this packaging is suitable for sterilization in the microwave.

The downside of Chicco pads is that they are big. The range does not include products for premature babies or for women with nipples smaller than 20 mm. One of the advantages is the ultra-thin material, which provides a tight grip on the breast and guarantees the absence of air bubbles in the milk sucked by the baby.

Other

Philips Avent, Medela, Chicco are the leaders among breast pads. They are considered the highest quality and safest. But they also cost more than others. If you need to choose cheaper models, then you should take a closer look at the following brands:

• BabyOno (Poland) – combined pads. The base is made of rubber, and the “nipple” is made of silicone. Price – from 170 rub.
• “World of Childhood” (China) – latex nozzles, quite hard but durable. They cost from 130 rubles.
• Ameda (India) – these pads are considered massage pads due to their corrugated surface. Stimulation during feeding allows you to produce more milk. Price – about 450 rub.
• “MaM” (Austria) – silicone nozzles with 5 holes for the outflow of milk. Available in two sizes. Cost from 250 rub.
• Pigeon (Japan) - the pads are quite small, even the model with size L is not suitable for women with nipples larger than 16 mm in diameter. Price – from 290 rub.
• Nuk First Choice (Germany) - inexpensive attachments, cost only 150 rubles. Made entirely from latex.

When choosing, you need to focus not only on reviews on the Internet or photos - it is better to first consult with a breastfeeding specialist. He will assess the condition of the breast and determine whether it is necessary to use this product at all or whether it is better to do without it. The doctor will also help you choose the right size of the nozzle so that it fits tightly to the mammary glands and is comfortable for the child.

Medela nursing pads sizes how to determine

Breast pads for breastfeeding are a product made of synthetic material that follows the shape of the nipple and part of the breast.
They are designed to protect the delicate nipple and facilitate the sucking process. To do this, the products have several holes from which milk flows to the baby. Gynecologists and pediatricians recommend using products only in cases where it is impossible to maintain breastfeeding in any other way.

Indications for use:

1. Abnormal structure of the female nipple (flat or very large).
2. Problems with lactation at the stage of its formation. Immediately after giving birth, a young mother may experience unpleasant sensations and improper breastfeeding, causing insufficient milk production.
3. The birth of a premature or physically weak baby who is unable to suck milk.
4. The baby does not take the mother's breast due to forced bottle feeding. This happens during difficult births, when the woman and baby are temporarily separated. The shield is similar to a nipple, but the baby has to put in some effort to get milk.
5. Abnormal structure of the child’s oral cavity, for example, the frenulum is not long enough.
6. High sensitivity of a woman's nipples, when the touch of the child's tongue causes discomfort.
7. Period of teeth appearance. At this stage, the baby may squeeze the nipple tightly with its gums or bite it.
8. Formation of cracks in the nipples due to improper attachment or violation of the rules of care (washing with soap, wearing underwear made of rough materials). Once the breasts have healed, the breast pads are discarded.

If a woman decides to use pads, she should consult with a lactation specialist or gynecologist before use and constantly monitor the process to avoid problems in the future.

How to choose breast pads for feeding

Manufacturers of children's products offer young mothers a wide range of breast pads. Products can be made from different materials, each of which has advantages and disadvantages:

The product is attached at a distance of 25 mm from the chest to a special nipple made of glass or plastic. This makes nipple stimulation difficult and milk may leak. When using rubber pads, babies do not receive hind milk, so they are used very rarely.

Made of rubber, they create the sensation of the presence of a nipple in the child’s mouth, but have significant disadvantages: the soft material is easily damaged, bacteria accumulate and multiply in it.

Such products quickly become unusable and cause infection to enter the woman’s nipple and the baby’s body. In addition, latex causes allergies in some children.

Made from modern material that is safe for the child and mother. Medical silicone does not provoke allergic reactions, is durable, resistant to mechanical damage and colonization by microorganisms. Products made from this material are thin, provide the necessary stimulation, but at the same time reliably protect the female nipple from the baby's gums.

Silicone pads are considered the most reliable and safe; products made from latex and rubber have practically ceased to be produced.

Products also differ in size. Most often they are presented in three versions:

• S - if the diameter of the erect nipple is less than 10 mm;
• M - the size of a woman’s nipple is 1 centimeter;
• L - for women with large nipples.

Breastfeeding experts believe the use of breast shields is justified in exceptional cases, but their use should be short-term.

Benefits of breast products:

• protect the woman’s nipple from injury and irritation;
• make natural nutrition possible for weak and premature children;
• allow a less painful transition of a child to breastfeeding after forced artificial feeding;
• eliminate fear and uncertainty in women before breastfeeding.

Experts believe that breast pads do not eliminate the problem, but are only a temporary solution.

Some difficulties may arise when using breast pads:

• violation of psychological intimacy between mother and baby;
• incorrect development of sucking technique: the artificial material is harder than the nipple, the child gets used to squeezing it tightly and uses force after abandoning the nipple;
• increasing the duration of feeding, weak children may fall asleep without eating;
• a decrease in the amount of breast milk due to insufficient nipple stimulation and low production of the hormone oxytocin;
• addiction, the baby refuses the breast without a pad:
• difficulty of use outside the home;
• difficulties in the feeding process: the product falls off, slips out of the mouth;
• air entering the stomach and, as a result, colic and increased regurgitation;
• infection in the female breast and the baby’s digestive system.

In addition, the use of pads can become a psychological barrier for a woman before breastfeeding without these products. A new mother may experience fear of pain or uncertainty that the baby will receive enough breast milk.

Specialized children's stores usually offer several types of products, which makes purchasing difficult.

There are several criteria that you need to pay attention to when choosing a product:

Silicone products are considered optimal; they are safe and durable.

The product must correspond to the parameters of the nipples. The required size can only be determined experimentally - the nipple should fit freely without causing discomfort, but at the same time the cover should not slide off it. There should be a small gap between the product and the breast, since during stimulation the nipple is deformed and pulled forward.

The pad should have a smooth, dense surface and no strong odors. The seller must have certificates confirming its safety.

It is better to give preference to products with thin walls; they will provide normal stimulation, fit well and are practically not felt by mother and child.

Here, the age, strength of the child, and intensity of lactation are taken into account. The more holes, the more milk the baby will receive. But too large a diameter can result in a large quantity that a weak child cannot handle.

When purchasing pads, the manufacturer is also of great importance. It is better to choose a brand that specializes in producing baby feeding products and has been on the market for a long time.

This brand's pads are made of very thin silicone and come in standard and small 3-hole sizes. There are 2 spout holes on the base, which is convenient for mom.

The set includes a storage case. The material allows you to feel the warmth of the breast, so when switching to normal natural feeding, neither the woman nor the child experience any difficulties.

The pads are made of the finest silicone and are available in three sizes. The product has 4 holes and one recess for the spout.

Silicone products of a standard size, helping to change the shape of the nipple.

Silicone pads with 4 holes for milk; on the outer surface there are relief indentations that imitate a female nipple.

Latex products made in Russia. One of the most affordable products. Their disadvantages: thick walls and lack of recess for the spout.

Basically, pads are distinguished by the material used in their manufacture. As a rule, it is rubber, latex or silicone.

Rubber ones are practically no longer produced, as they were terribly uncomfortable - they were not tightly attached to the skin, milk leaked, and the nipple was not stimulated during feeding.

Latex ones are also not very popular - they quickly deteriorate, and also often cause allergies in mother or baby. They also easily absorb odors from the environment, which does not contribute to comfortable feeding.

It is best to choose silicone breastfeeding pads, as they are the thinnest, and therefore fit better to the skin and provide normal stimulation of the ducts, so that the breasts are completely emptied and the baby receives enough milk.

It is very important to choose the right size. The easiest way to select them is by comparing several different products from different manufacturers. The tip of the nipple should not touch the top of the shield, as it will expand during feeding. If the nipple shields squeeze the nipples, it means the sizes are chosen incorrectly.

Particular attention should be paid to the quality of products. They must have certificates, and the unpleasant smell will tell you that it is better to refuse this packaging. Most likely it's a fake. You should also choose pads with a large number of holes, then the baby will receive more milk. But the size of the holes should not be too large, otherwise the baby may choke.

When choosing a nipple corrector, you can rely on the same signs, although there is no particular need for such devices. Correction of the shape of the nipples, if desired, can be carried out with a regular massage, or with the help of correct attachment of the baby to the breast. By sucking milk, he will give the nipples the desired shape after just a few feedings.

Features of use

The use of breastfeeding pads requires compliance with certain rules:

1. Before first use, the product should be washed with soap and boiled for several minutes in clean water.
2. Before putting the product on the nipple, the inner surface is moistened with boiled water or breast milk. This will allow the pad to adhere to the skin and prevent it from slipping off.
3. The product is put on as follows: the nipple is brought into an excited state, the edges of the pad are turned outward, the nipple is inserted into the recess and the base is straightened.
4. The baby is placed as during normal feeding, making sure that the nose falls into a special recess.
5. The baby should grasp the nipple and areola.
6. During feeding, you need to hold the product with two fingers.

After each feeding, the pad is washed with a hypoallergenic detergent, sterilized with steam or simply doused with hot water.

It is recommended to boil the product 2 times a week; more frequent exposure to hot water will reduce the service life. The product is dried in the open air using a separate towel and placed in a special container (clean cloth). If cracks appear on the surface of the product, it should be replaced.

You can learn how to choose the right pads, how to put them on and how to care for them in the video.

How to wean your baby

Refusal of pads can be stressful for a nursing mother and baby. To make this process as painless as possible, you should, if possible, reduce the period of use.

Weaning rules:

1. Try breastfeeding at night when your baby is sleeping or in the morning, right after he wakes up.
2. Start feeding as usual with the pad on. As soon as the baby is carried away by the process, quickly remove it so that he does not notice the substitution.
3. Gradually make the product smaller by cutting off the material at the top so that the baby gets used to the juice in his mouth. After some time, it will be possible to completely remove this product.

Some children become so accustomed to drinking milk through a silicone device that they categorically refuse to take their mother's breast. A woman should not despair, the situation can be corrected, but she must be patient.

Helpful Tips:

1. First of all, a nursing mother must establish emotional contact with the baby. To do this, you need to be nearby all the time in a good mood, play more, carry in your arms, you can try sleeping together.
2. As soon as the baby shows signs of anxiety, the breast should be offered. If he refuses, pet him, but do not give him a pacifier, bottle or breast with a pad.
3. If the baby does not get enough to eat, you need to supplement him with breast milk from a spoon or syringe.

Most often, returning to regular breastfeeding after using breastfeeding is difficult and can take several weeks.

As experts note, the difficulties of refusing them far exceed the problems that can be solved with the help of this product.

To avoid such problems, the feeding product should be used in emergency situations and for no more than 3-4 days.

Recommendations for use

In order for the attachments to fully perform their functions, it is important to use these devices correctly and know the general recommendations for caring for the product.

How to choose the right size?

It's no secret that every person is individual. Therefore, nipple shields should also be of different sizes in order to fit tightly to the breast. It is very difficult to immediately decide on the size. After all, the nozzle must fit both the diameter and shape of the nipple.

Therefore, mothers often have to take several sizes and preferably from different manufacturers in order to try at home and choose what suits mother and baby. Also, the size must be suitable for the child. For example, for premature babies, it is recommended to use a small nipple so that the baby can fully latch onto the nipple. Medela provides this nipple nipple diameter of less than 1 cm in size S.

It is important to pay attention to the number of holes in the nozzle; the flow and amount of milk that the baby will receive depends on this. The sizing chart of most manufacturers is based on the diameter of the nipple. Basically, modern companies offer the consumer 2 main options, which are as close as possible to natural sizes

The small size or M fits nipples with a diameter of about 10 mm, and the larger size or L fits nipples up to 20 mm in diameter. Some manufacturers make universal silicone breast pads

Basically, modern companies offer the consumer 2 main options, which are as close as possible to natural sizes. The small size or M fits nipples with a diameter of about 10 mm, and the larger size or L fits nipples up to 20 mm in diameter. Some manufacturers make universal silicone breast pads.

How to properly attach a baby?

Before you put your baby to the breast, you need to know how to put on nipple shields correctly.

Each time before use, it is necessary to disinfect the devices by steam treatment.

Before dressing, you need to make sure that the nipple is tense. In the same condition, you need to measure the diameter of the nipple before purchasing the device. The pad is turned out and firmly attached to the skin of the chest. To make putting on easier, it is recommended to put on the device while wet. The baby's nose should be located in the middle, resulting in a “butterfly”. The mother needs to try to ensure that the baby captures the entire nipple along with the areola. With the pad positioned correctly, the woman will feel a surge of milk. What position the baby will lie in during feeding is up to the mother to decide. After all, for some it is more convenient to feed while lying down, and for others while sitting.

Product care

Since breast milk is a favorable environment for the proliferation of pathogenic bacteria, you need to carefully monitor the cleanliness of products. The first thing you need to do after purchasing breast pads is boil them. Each feeding through the device should end with washing the device in a soapy solution.

Dry pads are stored in special containers. It is not recommended to boil each time before use, as the silicone material may not be as soft as it was at the beginning. It is best to process the pads in special steam sterilizers. Steam treatment is the most gentle for silicone products.

What are breast milk collection pads?

Breast milk collection pads are made in the form of a round-shaped product that is put on the nipple area and fits tightly to the breast. One cover consists of two parts:

• the back side of the product looks like a curved saucer with a recess for the nipple. It is more dense, because The material used is high quality plastic or dense silicone;
• the inner side is presented in the form of a soft membrane with a small hole for the nipple, made of silicone, which ensures a tight fit of the pad to the skin.

Also, each pad has special holes on the outside to drain breast milk after the product is filled with nutritional fluid. The design of the products differs slightly depending on the manufacturer, because each company prefers to make its model of linings memorable and the most comfortable. Therefore, models are often modernized and presented in a new design.

Breast milk collection pads consist of two parts and are made of silicone

Most expectant mothers, even before the birth of the baby, make a list of what they and the baby will definitely need during the first time in the maternity hospital and after discharge. Some women try to buy as many products as possible that will help young parents ease the process of caring for a newborn, as well as establish breastfeeding. Of course, many unique helpers make life much easier for new parents, but not all items make sense to buy in advance. For example, experts believe that breast milk collection pads do not need to be purchased before birth. It is more advisable to do this if necessary, when the nursing mother really needs them.

Most manufacturers offer product packaging for purchase, which includes two pads for collecting nutrient fluid

Recommendations for selection

Breastfeeding pads, despite their advantages, have the following serious disadvantages:

• the child gets used to certain sensations and subsequently it is difficult to transfer him to a normal feeding regimen;
• A woman’s nipples do not become rough, remaining sensitive, and in the future, refusal of nipple coverings will be associated with painful sensations;
• no matter how tightly the pad fits the skin, air still gets into the child’s mouth and can cause disturbances in the functioning of the digestive system;
• due to the lack of direct contact of the nipple with the baby’s lips, it is not sufficiently stimulated, which over time leads to a decrease in milk production;
• The overlay is not always convenient: it requires regular care and time to put on. For these reasons, it is difficult to use outside the home for unscheduled or night feedings;
• if there is a lining, milk is released more slowly, and the baby needs to work longer to get enough: the feeding process is delayed, tiring both mother and baby.

To select the correct model, the following criteria must be taken into account:

Criterion Description Quality The safety of the baby depends on the quality of the product. It is not recommended to purchase cheap crafts from unknown manufacturers, as well as from random sellers. Clear signs of counterfeiting are: an unpleasant odor of the product; insufficient elasticity of silicone; lack of packaging, its sloppy appearance or broken seal; errors in the text on the box; lack of a quality certificate, information about the product and its manufacturer. It’s easy to avoid buying a low-quality product: you should purchase it in specialized stores or pharmacies and choose samples from well-known brands, even if they turn out to be more expensive

Size The correct selection of the size determines whether the pad will be comfortable. It is impossible to try it on in a pharmacy, so to avoid mistakes, it is recommended to compare the nipple with the tips of your own fingers. If its diameter is close to the diameter of your thumb, it is advisable to purchase size L; index - M; little finger – S. The size S pad is intended mainly for premature babies in the first days of their life

An obstacle to its use may be a mismatch in the size of the mother's nipple. In addition, you need to know the length of the nipple; it is easy to measure it at home and use this value to select the desired length of the cap (some manufacturers indicate this parameter on the packaging, which makes the choice easier). It is important to remember: all measurements are taken on an erect nipple. The cap of a properly sized overlay tightly covers the sides of the nipple, without squeezing or rubbing it, and provides a gap of 1-2 mm between the tip of the nipple and the top of the cap. The base completely covers the areola, fits as tightly as possible to the skin, does not move or come off

Shape The reliability of its contact with the skin will depend on how correctly the shape of the base of the pad is chosen. When choosing the optimal base option, you should start from the characteristics of the mammary gland. The pads, which have the shape of a circle at the bottom, are ideal for an ideal breast - round, with a nipple looking forward

Otherwise, the lower part of the base of the lining will not fit tightly to the skin and air will inevitably enter the cap through the resulting gap. For women with an “imperfect” breast structure, it is better to use butterfly (Avent) or trefoil (NUK) overlays. The first does not cover the chest in the problem area, and the second, due to the successful shape and flexibility of the “petals”, is able to provide the necessary contact

Subject to strict adherence to the rules of selection and use, breast pads will help maintain breastfeeding and facilitate the feeding process in the presence of factors that make it difficult. However, you should not abuse their help: the pads should be abandoned immediately as soon as the problem disappears.

In what cases are they needed?

Breastfeeding shields are devices made of silicone or other polymer material that are used during breastfeeding to protect the nipple or make the process easier.

Indications for their use are:

• cracks in the nipples, causing pain. Protective pads reduce the burden on delicate skin and allow wounds to heal faster. Immediately after this they should be discarded;
• feeding weakened children (premature, with disorders of the central nervous system, etc.) who do not latch on well and suck milk poorly. Breast pads will help support natural feeding, since for such babies breast milk is even more important;
• Too sensitive nipple skin. This is observed during the first experience of breastfeeding, when painful sensations appear during feeding. Silicone products will help ease this period, although without them the skin will become less sensitive within a few weeks;
• teething period. At this time, some children begin to bite their mother's breast; a protective layer of silicone helps to achieve, if not correction, then relief of the situation.

There are also special pads for collecting breast milk, which are used when there is insufficient or excessive milk production. In the first case, the collected milk is used to supplement the baby's feeding, and in the second - to relieve the breast when it is overfilled with milk.

It happens that women experience difficulties because the shape of the nipple is not very suitable for feeding - flat or inverted. Because of this, it is more difficult for the baby to latch onto the breast normally. In such cases, it is sometimes recommended to use a nipple corrector.

However, changing the shape of the nipple using nipple shields or massages is not a prerequisite for successful breastfeeding. As a result, the nipple shaper can cause more problems than it is worth, so many breastfeeding consultants recommend trusting the “correctly attached baby”, since correction of the nipple shape occurs by itself after just a few feedings, the main thing is to choose the right position and make sure that the baby takes correctly breast.

Situations in which breastfeeding pads are essential

There are situations when breastfeeding problems can only be solved by using breast pads. Indications for the use of special devices can be from both the baby and the mother. Prematurity and pathology of the central nervous system are the main problems that can interfere with the normal course of natural feeding.

Children born prematurely are weakened and cannot independently carry out the full act of sucking. They also often latch onto the nipple incorrectly, so special shields help maintain breastfeeding.

Indications from the mother include problems related directly to the nipple. On the first day of feeding, a woman’s nipples have rather delicate skin, which can be easily injured when sucking, even to the point of cracking. In such a situation, painful sensations appear that bring quite significant discomfort. During this period, it is recommended to temporarily feed the child through pads and treat damage to the nipples with healing creams and ointments, for example, Bepanten.

Also, a woman may have anatomical features of the structure of the nipple; it can be either flat or retracted inward. Both options make feeding difficult. In this situation, the breast shield stretches the nipple, and the baby can eat without worry.

Contraindications for using pads

There are no strict contraindications to the use of pads. But it must be remembered that the use of these devices should be temporary, as some problems may arise after their use. Lactation may decrease because the baby cannot suck effectively through the pads. As a result, the baby may not gain weight well. The learning process is also difficult. The baby gets used to eating through the pad, so without it the baby may not latch onto the breast.

Advantages and disadvantages of accessories

Basically, nipple shields are required only when breastfeeding weakened children. In other cases, you can do without them. The use of such devices can cause serious harm to natural feeding.

In addition, the problems that arose when putting the baby to the breast will not disappear anywhere and will appear after stopping the use of the products.

Advantages

Breast pads can be useful in some cases. Polymer devices have the following advantages:

• Allows you to reduce the impact on the skin and protect the nipples from damage.
• They have a shape that is familiar to a baby. If in the maternity hospital the child received food from a bottle with a nipple, then the pads will allow you to quickly wean the baby to the breast.
• They make it possible to breastfeed weakened children, as well as babies with abnormal oral structure.

Flaws

In some cases, using breast pads can be harmful. The products have some disadvantages that nursing mothers should be aware of.

1. The child develops incorrect sucking technique, which can only complicate the feeding process in the future.
2. Getting used to unnatural breasts. This phenomenon has been noted with long-term use of the pads.
3. Insufficient stimulation of the glands. This can lead to longer feeding times as well as decreased milk production.
4. Difficulty latching the baby outside the home. In addition, the pads periodically slip off. As a result, the baby swallows air.
5. Uncertainty of a young mother. Many women are afraid to put their baby to the breast after breastfeeding.
6. If nipple shields are not properly cared for, a large number of pathogens accumulate in them, which can lead to the development of gastrointestinal tract diseases in the child.

When to use

After devices such as breast pads for feeding appeared on the market in our country, their popularity increased. After all, the products were recognized as safe and at the same time universal. However, after some time it became clear that such nipple covers for feeding create some difficulties.

It is for this reason that they are recommended to be used only when absolutely necessary. Of course, you shouldn’t perceive such devices as something very bad. For many breastfeeding mothers, nipple shields have helped a lot during the feeding process. In what situations should they be used?

For feeding babies of a certain group. First of all, these are children with certain disorders of the central nervous system, as well as premature babies. They often have problems breastfeeding. Such babies are very weak, and it is very difficult for them to suckle at their mother’s breast. As a rule, they either push out the nipple with a tongue or wrap it up. At the same time, the mammary gland is poorly retained in the mouth. Overlays allow a woman to continue breastfeeding

After all, it is so important for a weakened baby.

Cracked nipples. Almost every woman encounters this unpleasant phenomenon when feeding her baby.

If the injury is severe, putting the baby to the breast causes discomfort and pain to the young mother. Polymer feeding plates help protect cracked nipples. After the breasts have completely healed, you should discard accessories. Increased sensitivity. Every woman has her own pain threshold. If your nipples are too sensitive, you should use breast shields when feeding. But many experts recommend simply enduring the unpleasant period. Over time, your nipples will become rougher. Breast pads can also be used if a baby has a birth injury. This applies to cases where the baby develops nervous system disorders. The baby may suck on the mother's breast sluggishly or may not latch onto the nipple correctly. Similar devices can be used during the process of erupting the baby’s first teeth. During this period, many begin to bite. This can cause serious harm to a nursing mother's breasts. Polymer plates help protect nipples from injury.

As for abnormal breast structure, there are no recommendations for the use of breast pads.

A flat, inverted or too large nipple does not interfere with natural feeding. After all, the baby sucks the entire lower part of the breast.

In such situations, it is necessary to master the appropriate application technique.

Types and sizes

The first devices appeared in the 17th century and were gradually improved until the beginning of the 20th century. Previously, linings were made from:

• silver;
• lead (caused toxic damage to the baby’s nervous system);
• wax;
• wood;
• rubber;
• tin and its alloys;
• horns;
• bones;
• Ivory;
• glass;
• rubber.

Interesting! The first rubber breast pads appeared in the mid-19th century. In Britain.

Today you can only buy pads made of rubber, silicone, latex. The former are difficult to find and are not recommended for use, even in extreme circumstances. The design of the rubber devices allows you to attach regular bottle nipples to a special base made of glass or plastic. With proper attachment, the baby is 1.5-6 cm from the edge of the nipple, due to which the position of the baby at the mammary gland greatly changes.

When using rubber pads, the subareolar milk sinuses do not contract, the skin of the nipple and areola is not directly stimulated by the baby’s skin, which disrupts the release and concentration of the hormone responsible for the secretion of milk (lactotropic, lactotropin, prolactin) in the mother’s blood plasma. In addition, during feeding, milk often accumulates at the base of the skin folds, leaks to the sides, and a smaller amount ends up in the baby’s oral cavity.

Products made of silicone and latex are thin and flexible plates, compacted in the projection of the nipple. Due to the thinness of the material used, the surface of the areola is fully stimulated during sucking, milk loss is minimized, and the physiological (natural, normal) cycle of prolactin release into the blood and its accumulation in the plasma is maintained. Silicone overlays are a higher priority because the rate of allergic reactions to latex is increasing.

The dimensions depend on the diameter of the erect nipple and the manufacturer (although they try to unify the sizes of the pads, this cannot be completely achieved). Therefore, the selection of silicone or latex breast pads for feeding a baby is carried out individually. The following sizes are available:

• S – nipple diameter at tension less than 1 cm (recommended for feeding a premature baby);
• M – nipple with a diameter of 1-1.5 cm;
• L – nipple diameter greater than 1.6-2.0 cm;
• XL – more than 2.0 cm;
• universal.

Attention! Although there are products of a universal size, it is recommended to buy products strictly according to the size of the erect nipple

Pros and cons of the accessory

“Breast pads for feeding will help a weak or premature baby,” says breastfeeding consultant Olga Sidorova. “But in reality they are rarely needed.”

Breastfeeding expert Natalya Razakhatskaya agrees with her opinion: “The use of these accessories causes a serious blow to natural feeding. Those problems that currently exist in the “mother-baby” pair are simply pushed aside for later. And they will definitely arise again, but in a more pronounced form.”

Advantages

— The products can be used when the mother has tried all the methods of proper breastfeeding. For example, when the baby is unable to latch onto the nipple in different positions, continues Olga Sidorova.

Among the advantages of accessories are the following:

• mechanical protection of the nipple, reducing exposure to the skin;
• the familiar “breast shape” if the baby has already been fed from a rubber nipple in the maternity hospital;
• psychological confidence of a woman who doubts the shape of her nipples and her ability to breastfeed.

The benefits of nipple shields for breastfeeding are questioned among many breastfeeding consultants. Thus, IBCLC expert Natalya Razakhatskaya warns: “Don’t look for the easy way out if your nipples are injured or you have difficulty latching on. Overlays do not solve these problems. Avoid them, work on eliminating difficulties.”

Flaws

An ambiguous attitude towards the feeding accessory is caused by its many shortcomings.

• Formation of incorrect sucking technique. Maternal breasts are much softer than the silicone or latex from which devices are made. To “extract” milk from them, the baby has to make more effort. Babies begin to bite their breasts harder and work not only with their tongues, but also with their jaws. Some develop their own vacuum technique, essentially working similar to a breast pump without the necessary breast stimulation. After applying the pads, the baby transfers his skills to his mother’s chest, as a result of which he injures her, often even more severely than before.
• Getting used to “rubber” breasts. Babies who were introduced to a rubber accessory earlier than natural breasts, or who received it for a long time, often do not want to return to full breastfeeding. Everything is unusual for them: the shape of the breast, its hardness, and the sensations in the mouth. Feeding causes the baby to cry, whims, and the baby turns away from the nipple. It is difficult to retrain him; it requires patience, endurance and perseverance on the part of the mother.
• Insufficient stimulation. Breastfeeding shields follow the shape of the nipple, but do not have an areola. In fact, the baby stimulates only the nipple area, which does not allow the mammary gland to fully release. According to breastfeeding consultant Oksana Mikhailechko, this leads to an increase in the duration of feedings, a decrease in milk consumption, and a decrease in its production. One of the most negative consequences of using an accessory for a baby is weight loss due to receiving insufficient nutrition. For the mother - the formation of congestion, an increased risk of lactostasis and mastitis.
• Mechanical difficulties. The polymer “cap” can come off during feedings, the baby may choke on it or swallow air, and then burp. The mother's discomfort is caused by milk leakage, difficulties with feeding at night, and latching outside the home.

The disadvantages of nipple shields for breastfeeding also manifest themselves in the psychological uncertainty of the mother. A woman is afraid of breastfeeding without silicone forms and worries that the baby may refuse to breastfeed. This increases the period of their use and aggravates the problem.

Are they needed?

Doctors advise using breast shields only strictly according to indications - for example, for cracked or flat nipples (when it is difficult for the baby to grasp and suck). You can use inserts when returning the child to breastfeeding and weaning off the bottle (the main thing is to quickly remove the products, since there is a chance that the baby will refuse to pull on the bare nipple without them).

Advantages

Breast pads, like other devices for women who have given birth (like pads in a nursing bra), are needed to protect their health and facilitate the process of lactation. The advantages of the products are that they:

• They repeat the anatomical shape of the areola and nipple of a woman.
• Made from hypoallergenic material (this applies to both latex and silicone products).
• Convenient for the child (babies immediately adapt to sucking).
• Easy to care for (sterilized in the same way as regular nipples).
• They have small dimensions (you can take them with you on the road).

If the pads are used rarely and only when absolutely necessary (according to indications), then they will not cause any harm. Although breastfeeding experts still recommend trying to do without them, which is associated with significant disadvantages of the products.

Flaws

The main disadvantage is that the product has many side effects that occur when nipple covers are used unjustifiably or for a long time. Main mistakes:

• Unnecessary use. The products are not suitable for prevention, as there is a risk that the baby will get used to the pads and will refuse to breastfeed without them.
• Using it too long will cause the milk to run out before your baby needs it.
• Poor care of reusable products increases the risk of infecting your baby with infections. Therefore, the pads are sterilized after each use, which is inconvenient.

Breastfeeding specialists warn that the constant use of pads can provoke lactostasis (as they interfere with the natural, uniform secretion of milk). Psychologists also do not approve of the products, since the baby does not come into contact with the woman’s skin, which prevents the establishment of a special spirit of unity with mother and child.

What are they for?

Breast and nipple shields are special devices for protecting the nipples and areola (the pigmented area around the nipple) from damage or treating existing injuries (scratches, cracks, bites, etc.). That is, their main function is to protect the mammary gland during breastfeeding (BF) of the baby. In addition, they are used to:

• shape a flat or inverted nipple;
• facilitate the child's nutrition;
• make the process of expressing milk easier and faster;
• accustom the baby to suck the breast when refusing it;
• protect clothes from contamination with milk;
• protect delicate fabrics from friction against clothing and from cold.

What harm can breast pads cause?

Doctors advise breastfeeding using breast pads for a short time, otherwise it leads to:

1. Reducing milk production by 50%. This is due to a violation of the psychological and physical contact between mother and child. The hormone oxytocin stops being produced and relaxes the milk ducts, which leads to short breastfeeding and early cessation of lactation.
2. The sucking mechanism is upset. The baby, due to improper latching of the nipple, begins to chew the breast rather than suck, and increases pauses. If you do not stop feeding the baby in a timely manner and return to previous feeding, he will continue chewing, and it will be problematic to retrain the baby.
3. Long-term feeding. Since milk leaks under the base, the baby does not get enough and stays at the breast much longer. Some babies get tired faster and fall asleep without being satisfied with the pad in their mouth. As a result, they lose weight, and the mother is at risk of lactostasis.
4. Swallowing air. When sucking, it causes colic, flatulence and profuse regurgitation.
5. Inconvenient to use. It is quite difficult to use the accessory at night or while walking.
6. Sterilization before each feeding. If you use pads for a long time with insufficient sterility (and this is sometimes difficult to keep track of), you can infect your nipples with thrush.