Lynn - Re:  Breast shells

Citation:  Alexander et al. Randomized controlled trial of breast shells
and Hoffman's exercises.  Br Med J 304:1030-32, 1992.

My recall is that this study looked at about 100 women with inverted
nipples.  The "no intervention" group had better BF results than those who
used shells or Hoffman exercise during pregnancy.    I believe the authors
speculated the higher failure rate of the intervention group may have been
due to the feeling their nipples had been diagnosed as "defective."

I find breast shells helpful *postpartum*.  I suggest that women evert
their nipples (with gentle rolling, pumping, converted periodontal syringe,
etc.) before each feeding, nurse, then wear shells between feeds.  The
pressure of the refilling sinuses may help relax the adhesions more
effectively than on the relatively empty prenatal breast.

I'm not sure if this is the latest word on shells.  Lactnutters??


>  Have these shells been SHOWN to break down adhesions?  I understand from
> "Effective Care" that the use of antenatal devices doesn't help prepare the
> nipples.  What is the latest please?

*...just another breastfeeding lunatic!  Cindy Turner-Maffei, MA, IBCLC aka
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