The only research I have seen in the use of breast shells is the MAIN
trial, which was published in 1994 in Midwifery Vol 10, No 4, dec
1994, pp 200-214.

This was a large multi-centred trial in the UK and in Canada, looking
at the bf outcomes from women with flat or inverted nipple(s),
asssigned randomly to  either of 2  diff. treatments  - shells,
stretching exercises - or no treatment.

Conclusion was there is no basis for recommending shells, or for
recommending stretching exercises. This was because there was no
diff. in the bf outcomes of any of the 3 groups.

Has there been other research either supporting this, or contradicting this?

Heather Welford Neil
NCT bfc Newcastle upon Tyne UK

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