Breastfeeding is a natural and essential part of motherhood. However, it can sometimes come with challenges, especially for new mothers. One common issue faced by breastfeeding mothers is discomfort caused by engorgement, soreness, inverted nipples, cracked nipples, and excess breast milk. To address these concerns, Philips Avent introduces its Comfort Breast Shell Set, a revolutionary solution designed to provide comfort and support during breastfeeding.
The Philips Avent comfort breast shell set is designed to help protect soreness, inverted nipples, cracked nipples, and excess breast milk. It includes two ventilated breast shells, two non-ventilated breast milk saver shells, and two ultrasoft silicone backing cushions.
The Avent breast ventilated shells are designed to allow air circulation to the nipples, which can help them heal more quickly. They may not be the best option for preventing leaks, as the ventilation holes allow some milk to escape.
The non-ventilated shells, also known as breast milk collection shells, are designed to catch leaking milk. They do not have any ventilation holes and create a barrier to prevent leaks. The silicone backing cushions help to keep the shells in place and to provide additional comfort.
If you are experiencing soreness, inverted nipples, or cracked nipples, and want to collect excess breast milk, the Philips Avent comfort breast shell set may be a good option. It is important to talk to your doctor or lactation consultant before using any new products, especially if you are breastfeeding.
Benefits of Philips Avent Comfort Breast Shell Set
Here are some of the benefits of using the Philips Avent comfort breast shell set:
Protects sore or cracked nipples
Breastfeeding moms will all agree; that there aren’t many things more painful than soreness, inverted nipples, and cracked nipples. Avent breast shells can protect your nipples from rubbing on your clothes or nursing bra if cracked or sore from rubbing against your nursing bra or breastfeeding clothes. Not only do they prevent you from any more uncomfortable nipple rubbing, but they’ll help promote recovery as you stop them from being irritated further. A Philips Avent breast shell will fit the natural shape of a woman’s breast and use a material like silicone that is soft on even the most delicate breast skin.
Collects excess breast milk
Philips Avent breast shells are worn over your nipple to collect leaking breast milk, ensuring no drop leaking during feeds goes to waste. Avent milk collection shells are made from skin-friendly materials and shaped to your body, making them comfortable and discreet.
Helps to prevent leaks
The Philips Avent comfort breast shell set does help prevent leaks to a certain extent. It consists of two ventilated shells and two non-ventilated shells:
It's important to note that no breast shell is completely leak-proof, and some leakage may still occur, especially during let-downs or if your breasts are very full. However, using the non-ventilated shells can help to significantly reduce leaks and keep your clothes and bedding dry.
Here are some additional factors to consider when using breast shells to prevent leaks:
Proper fit: The shells should fit snugly against your breasts without causing any discomfort. If they are too loose, they may not be effective in preventing leaks.
Emptying the shells regularly: It is important to empty them regularly to prevent them from overflowing and leaking.
Changing your nursing pads frequently: Even if you use breast shells, it is still a good idea to wear nursing pads to absorb any leaks.
If you are concerned about leaks, you must talk to your doctor or lactation consultant. They can help you determine the best way to manage leaks and ensure you get your needed support.
Provides comfort
The Philips Avent comfort breast shell set can provide comfort in several ways:
Soft, silicone material: The shells are made from a soft, flexible silicone material that conforms to the shape of your breasts. This can help to reduce friction and irritation, which can be especially helpful if you have sore or cracked nipples.
Silicone backing cushions: The shells come with two soft, silicone backing cushions that help to keep the shells in place and provide additional comfort.
It is important to note that individual experiences may vary, and what provides comfort for one person may not be as effective for another. However, many breastfeeding mothers find that the Philips Avent comfort breast shell set can help relieve discomfort and make breastfeeding more enjoyable.
When to use milk collection shells
The Philips Avent Comfort Breast Shells are intended to be worn inside the bra by lactating women during breastfeeding or expressing: to protect soreness or cracked nipples and to help relieve engorgement (ventilated breast shells); to collect excess breast milk for later use (non-ventilated breast shells). The Philips Avent Comfort Breast Shells are intended for a single user.
Just remember to remove them every two to three hours and let your breasts air-dry, as this prevents any excess moisture from damaging your nipples. And avoid wearing breast shells in bed at night, as this can cause skin tenderness you could try Philips Avent disposable breast pads to absorb heavy leaking breast milk instead, or Ultra-thin disposable breast pads if your flow is lighter.
How to Clean Philips Avent Breast Shells Set
Keeping your Philips Avent comfort breast shell set clean is essential for maintaining hygiene and preventing the growth of bacteria. Here's how to clean them:
- Clean and disinfect all parts before and after each use.
- Wash the shells and back cushions in warm, soapy water (using mild dish soap).
- Rinse shells and cushions thoroughly with clean water to remove any soap residue.
- Allow the shells and back cushions to air dry completely on a clean, lint-free cloth. Do not use a towel to dry them as it can trap lint.
Additional options for sterilization:
You can also sterilize the shells and cushions using a Philips Avent steam sterilizer or any other compatible steam sterilizer. Follow the instructions provided with your sterilizer. You can boil the shells and cushions for 5 minutes. Wait to boil for 5 minutes, as this can damage the material.
Here are some additional tips for cleaning your Philips Avent comfort breast shell set:
- Do not use harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners. These can damage the material and make the shells less effective.
- Do not put the shells and cushions in the microwave.
- Store the shells and cushions in a clean, dry place.
Following these cleaning instructions, you can ensure your Philips Avent comfort breast shell set stays clean and hygienic for you and your baby.
How to Use Philips Avent Breast Shells Set
The Philips Avent comfort breast shell set offers various functionalities depending on your needs. Here's how to use them for different purposes:
1. Protecting sore or cracked nipples:
- Choose the ventilated shells: These allow air circulation to promote healing.
- Wash and dry your hands thoroughly.
- Wash and dry the shells and cushions as described earlier.
- Place the silicone cushion onto the ventilated shell.
- Center your nipple in the opening of the shell.
- Slip the shell with the cushion inside your bra, ensuring a snug but comfortable fit.
2. Collecting excess breast milk:
Choose the non-ventilated shells: These are designed specifically for milk collection. Follow steps 1-3 mentioned above for cleaning and preparation. Place the shell with the cushion inside your bra, positioning it on the breast that is not being nursed or pumped. The gentle pressure from the shell may help express some milk, which will be collected inside the shell. Empty the collected milk regularly to prevent overflow and leakage.
3. Wearing while feeding or pumping:
You can wear either the ventilated or non-ventilated shells depending on your needs. Ventilated shells: If you want some air circulation while feeding or pumping. Non-ventilated shells: If you wish to collect any leaking milk while feeding or pumping. Follow steps 1-3 for cleaning and preparation. Place the chosen shell with the cushion inside your bra on the breast that is not being nursed or pumped.
Additional Tips:
- The shells should fit snugly but comfortably. If they are too loose, they may not be effective and irritate your skin.
- Change your nursing pads frequently to absorb leaks, even if you use breast shells.
- If you experience pain or discomfort, stop using the shells and consult your doctor or lactation consultant.
- Remember, these are general guidelines. It's always recommended to consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice concerning your specific needs.
FAQs
1. Are breast shells worth it?
Breastfeeding moms will all agree; that there aren't many things more painful than soreness and cracked nipples. Avent breast shells can protect your nipples from rubbing on your clothes or nursing bra if cracked or sore from rubbing against your nursing bra or breastfeeding clothes.
2. How do you use Avent breast milk shells?
The soft, flexible silicone membrane is designed to be gentle on the skin – place it on to the outer shell, snapping it all the way around. Once the breast shell is assembled, place the milk collection shell inside your bra, with the membrane's opening centered over your nipple. The handy spout should be facing upwards.
3. Can I wear Avent breast shells all day?
You can wear Avent breast shells continuously between breastfeeding sessions, but avoid using them in bed at night, as this can aggravate sore nipples.
4. Can I wear Avent breast shells at night?
Avent breast Shells should be worn in the bras. It is not suggested that you wear it when sleeping or in a side-lying position.
5. Can I use Avent breast shells while pregnant?
If your nipples are flat or inverted, ask your healthcare professional about wearing Avent breast shells in the last few weeks of pregnancy. These breast shells may help encourage the nipples to protrude. Protruding nipples make it easier for a baby to “latch on” and breastfeed.
6. Do breast shells work for flat nipples?
Avent breast shells help solve some of the most common problems faced by breastfeeding women - nipple soreness, engorgement, and flat or inverted nipples. breast shells are comfortable to wear while alleviating these conditions. Flexible silicone backs apply a firm but gentle touch to sensitive breast tissue.
