Breast pads for feeding

Breast pads for feeding are special latex or silicone devices, the purpose of which is to facilitate the process of breastfeeding .

Indications for use

Protective pads on the chest (more precisely on the nipples) have a wide base and a cone-like depression (artificial nipple). They are used:

• with inflammation and fissures of the nipples;
• in the case of their abnormal structure (flat or retracted nipples);
• during the transition from breastfeeding to breastfeeding;
• in the event of a mismatch between the large nipple of the mother and the small mouth of the child;
• in the presence of neonatal neurological problems, birth injuries, in premature infants , which results in weak and inept sucking.

Lining on the chest Avent, Medela, Childhood World and others - which ones to choose?

A wide variety of protective pads on the chest from different manufacturers (Avent, Medela, Camera, Chicco, Pigeon, Lubby, World of Childhood and others) makes even experienced mom get lost. When choosing it is important to consider some of the nuances:

1. Most of the lining on the chest (Medela, Avent, Chico) differ in size (S - diameter of the nipple is less than 1 cm, M - diameter of 1 cm, L - diameter of more than 1 cm).
2. Pay attention also to the shape of the lining base, if it is with one notch (like the Medela lining) or with two notches (like the lining of Avent's chest), then the baby's nip can feel the mother's breast.
3. Look closely at the height of the artificial nipple, it should be much higher than the height of your nipple. During feeding, it will increase and densely adhere to the top of the lining.
4. To date, for breastfeeding, silicone breast pads are used more often, they are as thin as possible, hypoallergenic, with a neutral odor.
5. If the financial possibilities are limited, you can try budget options, for example, breast pads World of Childhood or Camera.
6. Women's comments about using this device are not always unambiguous. The most flattering women say about the overlays on Medel's chest.

How to feed through the lining?

How to feed with patches? Very simple. To begin with, they need to be properly put on:

1. For better fixing on the skin before putting on, the inner part of the lining can be moistened with boiled water or breast milk.
2. Then turn the edges out and insert the nipple into a special groove.
3. Tightly press and straighten the edges to the thoracic areola so that under them there is no air left.
4. Make sure that the pad is in the correct position and does not move in different directions.

Feeding through the protective lining on the chest is carried out on the same principle as without them. Wait until the child opens his mouth wide, insert a nipple in the direction from the bottom up (to the palate). After feeding, wash the pads with soap and water, rinse thoroughly and dry. Before each subsequent feeding, it is recommended that they be boiled.

It should be borne in mind that, despite all the mother's efforts, some children categorically refuse to take the breast, if it has a patch.

Pros and cons of using overlays

The lining of the breast for feeding is a controversial invention. Experts' opinions on the necessity and expediency of their use diverge.

So, relying on numerous studies, WHO, as well as leading experts in matters of breastfeeding, that the protective lining on the chest not only does not protect the damaged nipples, but also exacerbates the existing problem, and if used improperly damage the skin and provoke the occurrence of internal breast trauma. In addition, the lining of the breast for feeding causes a sharp decrease in the number of inflows and milk production and, therefore, premature lactation, the child's abandonment of the breast after stopping their use.

Meanwhile, as another part of the experts believes that all of the above effects can be avoided by using the breast pads for feeding for a short time.