Breastfeeding shells

During breastfeeding, certain discomforts can arise, including breastfeeding nipple cracks, which are small tears at the nipples. These fissures, which can be very painful, may become a nightmare for the breastfeeding mother. They are generally linked to a poor latch during breastfeeding or a suckling issue.

These are real shells selected for their size and shape, then polished. They are natural products with multiple benefits:

- The soft, cool mother-of-pearl helps to soothe the breast and care for the nipples.

- Their shape is perfectly suited to the nipple and you can place a few drops of breast milk inside — with its many benefits (healing, antiseptic…) — to soothe your nipples, as a preventive measure, to avoid any pain or to treat cracked skin. If you have any concerns about a crack that is not healing, do not hesitate to consult a specialist.

- They can absorb light milk leaks. For heavier leaks, it is possible to place a breastfeeding pad under the shell. Breastfeeding pads are essential products that help absorb leaks. Choose pads made from organic bamboo fibres, gentle on the skin. 

- They protect the breast from friction with clothing.

They can be placed inside the bra, positioned over the nipples, after each feed, after applying a few drops of breast milk. Make sure to position them correctly over the nipples — they should not cause any pain or pressure on the breast. If the edges of the shell leave marks on your skin, they may be too small or your bra may be too tight. Choose the product that is right for you. 

It is best to remove them at night, to avoid the shell pressing on the breast and causing breast engorgement. At night, you can use a breast pad instead to absorb any leaks.

After use, always remember to clean them with soap and water, rinse with clean water, then dry them before the next use. 

To be effective, it's important to choose the right size based on the diameter of your nipples. If you have longer nipples, you'll want a deeper shell with a wider base. Some mothers have a very large areola — no need to worry if the shell doesn't cover it entirely.

If you'd like to choose it in advance, simply measure the diameter of your areola flat against the skin, around the start of the 9th month of pregnancy. Products come in different sizes depending on your areola. The Baby Shell brand offers 4 different size options in particular. 

Some brands offer made-to-measure nursing shells — don't hesitate to contact them if you can't find the right fit.

A breastfeeding compress, or breast pad, made with gel beads that can be used hot or cold, will be your true ally during breastfeeding. 

It can be used cold to reduce breast pain, particularly in cases of engorgement, and to reduce swelling. 

Or warm, to help encourage milk flow. Warmth is also beneficial in cases of breastfeeding mastitis.  

In the event of engorgement, we recommend alternating cold and heat, as too much heat could encourage engorgement. Start by applying warmth, then express your milk (manually or with a breast pump), and then apply the cold compress to help relieve the pain. Also avoid taking a breastfeeding supplement for women containing galactagogues, which could worsen the situation.