Breastfeeding is precious. For most moms, it feels great to be able to continue nourishing your baby even after you’ve delivered them into this world.
Unfortunately, if there is one thing we have learned about pregnancy and giving birth, it also has a toll on your body. Cracked nipples and milk leakage are just some things that can frustrate a new mom as she starts her breastfeeding journey.
Over the years, products have been developed to assist us women in raising our babies. While it’s not one of the more popular ones, you should seriously consider getting breast milk collection shells.
Here’s why.
What are breast milk collection shells?
Breast milk collection shells are two plastic or silicone materials that moms can place over their breasts. It usually comes with a hole in the center where you can put your areola into.
They are popular for women who have leaking breast milk, inverted nipples, and sore nipples. Although, it can also be very useful to all breastfeeding moms.
Why do moms love breast milk collection shells?
Right now, there is a growing number of moms who are using breast milk collection shells on a daily basis. Aside from other tools like breast pumps and pads, collection shells are slowly becoming one of the breastfeeding staples.
Here are some of the advantages of breast milk collection shells:
1. Prevent Milk Waste and Staining
Leaking breast milk is one of the most common problems a mom faces while nursing their babies. Of course, this could lead to breast milk waste, which can be frustrating, especially if you are running low on supply.
Since breast milk collection shells have pockets that could catch your milk when it leaks, there will be noticeably less waste.
Aside from this, leakage can also lead to milk stains that can seep into your top. This can be embarrassing, especially when you are outside.
A good pair of collection shells will also prevent this from happening. Designed to be seamless and lightweight, you should have no problems hiding them underneath your clothes to prevent staining.
2. Prevents Crack Nipples
Ah, the cracked nipples. Anyone who has ever breastfed knows how it feels like to have your baby suck on your nipples for dear life.
While we will absolutely do anything for the benefit of our children, there is no denying that the cracked nipples we incur from breastfeeding have made us think of giving up.
Along with trusted nipple creams, collection shells are a great way to prevent cracked nipples. This smooth and soft texture will prevent your nipples from rubbing into your nursing bra and shirt.
While the main culprit of cracked nipples is the actual contact with your baby’s mouth, the friction from clothing also irritates the skin, which causes chafing and blistering to the areola.
3. Improves the Shape of Nipples
There are many things that can prevent a mom from successfully nursing their baby successfully. Some of these are issues with the condition of the nipple, such as flat nipples, retracted nipples, or inverted nipples.
These issues make it harder for babies to latch correctly, thus preventing them from drawing milk from you. Wearing collection shells in between feedings can help address these problems by helping improve the shape of your nipple.
4. Relieve Breast Engorgement
When a mom has an oversupply of breast milk, she may notice engorgement of her breasts. While this may be normal, especially during the first few weeks of breastfeeding, it can be irritating and painful.
One of the ways to relieve this is to use collection shells. This places gentle pressure on the nipples, allowing them to release milk steadily.
Eventually, you will feel your breast become lighter and less stiff. On top of this, your milk will also not go to waste since every drop will fall on the pockets of the collection shell.
Breast Milk Collections Shells Tips
Now that we have established the benefits of collection shells, here are some things that you need to keep in mind before buying your own pair:
- Mind the time. You can only use collection shells for around three hours at a time. With this, it would be best to set alarms as to when you should change. While it’s reusable, it would also be wise for you to buy multiple pairs so that you don’t have to clean your collection shells every time you need to change them.
- Store milk properly. Make sure that you correctly transfer and store the breast milk that you have collected from your collection shell. Once done, you should also follow strict cleaning procedures to prevent possible contamination of the next batch of milk collection.
- Go for trusted brands. There are many collection shells available on the market. However, don’t be fooled by low prices and exciting promotions.
Regarding products that will come in close contact with your nipples, it would be in your best interest to go for established brands that experts and other moms approve of. Remember that your baby’s mouth is always in close proximity to your breasts.
To prevent the frustration of purchasing faulty products, we highly suggest that you play it safe and go for the Breast Milk Collection Shells from Mama’s Choice.
Best Breast Milk Collection Shells in the Philippines
Best Breast Milk Collection Shells in the Philippines
Mama’s Choice is our top pick when it comes to breast milk collection shells. The most important thing that we noticed about this product is how easy it is to wear and remove – one thing that is important to busy moms with almost no time for themselves.
Aside from this, the 20 ML capacity of the shell can also help ensure that you will have no spillage. This will allow you to move freely and go about your day without the fear of wasting milk or staining.
What sets it apart from other shells is that it’s guaranteed safe for you and your baby. We appreciate their food-grade silicone and BPA-free materials.
On top of this, the shells are also odorless, which is great news for moms with sensitive smells due to pregnancy and giving birth.
The best thing about it? It’s also available online, so you can easily place your order here.
Medela Milk Collection Shells
The collection shell from Medela is comfortable and delicate on the skin in the breast area. On top of that, we also like that it comes with BPA-free material. This makes it a great option for women with sensitive skin. However, it’s also one of the most expensive ones available in the market right now.
Dula Breast Shells
For a more affordable option, you may check the breast shells from Dula. Despite its price, their 100% food-grade silicone and BPA-free material are commendable for us.
Orange and Peach Milk Saver Breast Shells
For moms who experience fluctuations in the appearance of their breasts, the Orange and Peach Milk Saver is a strong option. The versatile material of this product allows it to fit almost all breast sizes and shapes. On top of that, it also comes with a storage pouch that will help your shell stay clean when you are not using it.
Li’l Twinkies New 2-in-1 Milk Collection Shells Set
Lastly, the collection shell from Lil’l Twinkies is commendable for its vent cover and leak preventer. This makes it a good option for those who experience heavy milk leakage. On top of this, their massaging dots also provide comfort, especially if you plan on wearing your shells for an extended period.
Good luck on your breastfeeding journey!
