On Monday, February 12, 2007, 5:39 PM, Nikki Lee wrote:  "Both the MAIN
Collaborative Trial and the research done by Jo Alexander discovered that
breast shells/Hoffman exercises do nothing to promote breastfeeding. Women
were more likely to breastfeed, and for longer, if they did no prenatal
preparation.  C. Fetherstone identified breast shell use as a factor in the
development of mastitis."

Nikki, I agree about the breast shells for flat/inverted nipples.  What
about the breast shells for sore nipples?  I have found them to be useful
for some of my clients.  When the women have extreme soreness that makes it
painful to have clothing touch the nipples, and sometimes stick to the open
wounds, then the latter shells are helpful.  So far, I have not had a
problem with their causing mastitis.  The holes in the top portion allow for
air circulation, and the space between the nipples and the shell prevent the
pain from being touched.  Usually, the shells for sore nipples only need to
be worn for a day or two while we work on better positioning, better latch,
and better sucking due to suck retraining.  Caution:  The women have to be
careful that they sleep in a position in which they do not put pressure on
the shells, ergo the breasts.  If they can't do that, then they should avoid
wearing them while sleeping.  Also, the bra they wear to keep them in place
needs to be loose enough so that it does not put undue pressure on the
shells.

Lee Galasso, MS, LLLL, IBCLC, RLC


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