SoftShells Breast Shell Soothers - Inverted Nipples

by Medela

Product Features

• Medela Soft Shell

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 12 x 9 x 3 inches ; 2 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• ASIN: B000058DPM
• UPC: 020451802206
• Item model number: 80220
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,609 in Baby (See Top 100 in Baby)
  • #12 in Baby > Feeding > Breastfeeding > Breast Shells & Creams
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (32 customer reviews)

Product Description

SoftShells Breast Shells were created with working mothers in mind. Offering the same care for sore, flat or inverted nipples as Medela s other shells, the SoftShells offer increased comfort and a more flattering appearance. Soft, silicone backs on the shells flex to match the contour of a woman s breast, creating a more snug, comfortable fit. The fronts of the shells are vented on the top to provide proper air circulation. Highly absorbent foam inserts protect against leaking.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

71 of 72 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Comfortable and they do the trick!, April 22, 2003

By 

Ana Hotaling "saotomeranchan" (Ann Arbor, MI United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: SoftShells Breast Shell Soothers - Inverted Nipples (Baby Product)

I was really not looking forward to wearing the hard plastic shells I'd gotten from La Leche League to help correct my inverted nipples during my last pregnancy. Knowing I was in for a world of trouble if I didn't wear them, I dug them out and just couldn't bring myself to put them on. Then I discovered these soft shells at Babies R Us, and decided to give them a try. They have a soft backing against the breast/nipple instead of rigid plastic, so comfort is key here. Instead of being small and highly domed, these are more shallow and larger, so that they are more discreet when you wear them. There are washable inserts to absorb milk, rather than having to deal with dried pooled milk. And best of all, they do indeed draw the nipple out to prepare for nursing. I'm wearing them now, and I can't even see them through my t-shirt or feel that they are there (I actually lifted the shirt up to make sure they were properly positioned, and they were!). If you have inverted or flat nipples, these are clearly the shells to get!

30 of 31 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Looks funky but works well, August 20, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: SoftShells Breast Shell Soothers - Inverted Nipples (Baby Product)

I purchased these for my second pregnancy, and began wearing them about four days a week at 35 weeks. They really do work to draw out inverted/flattened nipples. I would recommend wearing a looser-fitting shirt because the shape will be visible if you wear a tight shirt.

If you are on your first pregnancy and have questions about shells, check with your doctor, especially because they may begin to draw out colostrum or even induce premature labor.

I had no idea the first time I was pregnant that I might have problems with breastfeeding! By the time my first child was five days old, I was so exhausted and frustrated that I was ready to switch to the pump & bottle method. I'm hoping with these that I'll be able to breastfeed my second child. So far, I've seen a definite improvement, and these are comfortable enough that I can forget I'm wearing them.

Nice side note: these are dishwasher safe. Try putting them in a dishwasher basket with a top so they don't go flying around the machine and melt... the baskets used to wash baby bottles will work just fine.

You might want to get two sets -- one to wear and one to wash. Good luck!

20 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars they really work, July 29, 2002

By 

Lori (PA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: SoftShells Breast Shell Soothers - Inverted Nipples (Baby Product)

These really do work. I recommend using them before you have the baby though. I waited, and it was quite an ordeal. You will save yourself considerable misery if you wear them in advance (but not too far in advance, or you can induce premature labor--talk to your obgyn).