Joy- Just one comment about the "proven unusefulness" of breast shells. I was glad to see that you noted that this study was done in England. From what I have seen, English breast shells have larger openings in the back than the ones that we typically use for this problem in the U.S. Indeed, M---- makes two types, one for "sore" nipples with a wide hole, and one for "inverted" nipples with a small hole. If the study used only the wider opening shells, then I can understand the results. However, I would like to know if they tested those like the M--- that were specifically made for inverted nipples. I think that this hole size can make a big difference. Do you know the specifics to this study that may answer my questions as to its validity? TIA, Lisa ****************************************************************************** Lisa A. Marasco, IBCLC / [log in to unmask] International Board Certified Lactation Consultant / [log in to unmask] ******************************************************************************