SoftShells Breast Shell Soothers - Sore Nipples

by Medela

Product Features

• Softshells For Sore or Inverted Nipples by Medela
• 80210S #80220I-Sore Softshells For Sore or Inverted Nipples by Medela

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 12 x 9 x 3 inches ; 2 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• ASIN: B000058DPN
• UPC: 020451802107 020451002101
• Item model number: 80210
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,420 in Baby (See Top 100 in Baby)
  • #19 in Baby > Feeding > Breastfeeding > Breast Shells & Creams
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (42 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

103 of 104 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Oh my God - RELIEF!, November 4, 2004

By 

Kitty "vespurrr" (Rochester, New York United States) - See all my reviews

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

I have large breasts - DD normally without the added bonus of the milk. My son latched on great at first, but then got a cold and could not latch properly. He got lazy with my milk supply being very good and refused to open his mouth wide enough. Needless to say breastfeeding became torture. I was almost to the point of considering formula when I came across these.

Within just a few hours of wearing them, the pain decreased. The shells helped shape my nipples a little better and made it easier for my son to latch with little effort. After a full day of use, the pain has become almost non-existant.

I wish I had bought these for my daughter because I might have been able to breastfeed her longer than just 9 months. These shells have made breastfeeding the wondeful bonding experience it was meant to be. My son is still a little lazy with the latch, but he is getting better and opening his mouth wider now.

At first I was discouraged by the thought of needing to sanitize them every night, but I bought a microwave bottle sanitizer which makes sanitizing them a breeze. I am a very satisfied customer.

52 of 52 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Second Time Mom, June 22, 2004

By A Customer

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

These shields do work very well. I have large breasts and large nipples (E cup when I came home from the hospital) my son lacthed on great at first, but then he seemed like he couldn't handle their size and when a baby latches on wrong your nipples get even more abuse. I could not stand for a towel, or my bra to touch them, I cried every time he tried to nurse. My husband bought me these shields and an adjustable nursing bra (so I could have more room for the shields). Instead of using the inserts included I used cheap disposable nursing pads (save the nice ones for using directly on your breast). With in days I was healing and feeling sooooo much relief. But when you are nursing, take the shield off the other breast too. I wasn't thinking about let down on the side not being nursed (I had pain on my mind) and the shield filled up with milk completely. The poor nursing pad inside tried to absorb, but with the shield preesing on my breast ang having let down, it got messy. I learned quick.
Overall, the shields work great. Your only choices with sore nipples like I had are these shields or go bra-less. And go bra-less and leak milk all over your house.

47 of 48 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Lifesaver!! With a catch, December 6, 2003

By 

Meredith Anderson "meredithand" (Silver Spring, MD) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

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

My nipples were extremely painful in the first few weeks. My breasts were too large for my daughter to handle for the first 2-3 weeks, so I was pumping every two hours. Needless to say this wore my nipples out very quickly. These shells - which my mother (a lactation consultant) suggested - were a lifesaver. Allowing my nipples to air dry helped them heal and provided relief from the friction of a bra or nursing pad. HOWEVER, they also encourage excretion from the nipples and, thus, would fill up pretty quickly. If you didn't feed/pump frequently and/or check on them often, there was often a good chance that they would overflow, or be so full that the slightest leaning forward would cause them to spill. I think they would work better if you could find a material more absorbant than the foam inserts provided. Once you are aware of the problem, though, it's easily managed. Overall, the pros definitely outweigh the cons.