A traditional folk remedy in Norway, this has been revived in the last few
years.  The shells are limpet shells (Patella vulgata) which have a shallow
cone shape and really piquant under a nursing bra - mother looks like
something out of a Wagnerian opera with armoured, pointy nipples.

The shells are collected 'live' or dead, on the beach.  We boil them once.
After use they are washed in dishwashers in my ward but I don't know whether
the detergent is good for them.  We have no good solid data on them but many
mothers find them comfortable and they do seem to help prevent nipple edema to
some degree.  Personally I prefer Reverse Pressure Softening (see the archives
on RPS please).

To my mind they are a kind of magic feather.  They may promote moist wound
healing by keeping sore areas bathed in breastmilk.  They may help by keeping
clothing away from raw skin.  They may do nothing at all.  But if a mother
likes wearing them because they relieve her discomfort then I don't have a
problem with it.
Will try to find something more on them.
Rachel Myr
Norway

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