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Do I need to wash nipples after silverettes?

Understanding Silverette Usage and Care
Silverette nursing cups, crafted from 925 silver, are designed to provide relief and promote healing for nursing mothers experiencing nipple discomfort. Their unique properties, including natural antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory benefits, make them a popular choice among breastfeeding mothers. However, a common question arises: Do you need to wash your nipples after using Silverettes?
Cleaning Protocol for Silverette Cups
The primary focus when using Silverette cups is on their maintenance rather than the nipples themselves. According to guidelines, it is recommended to wash the Silverette cups daily with warm, soapy water to maintain their shine and remove any residue that may accumulate during use. This cleaning process is crucial as it ensures that the cups remain hygienic and effective in their role of protecting and soothing the nipple area.
Nipple Care After Silverette Use
While the Silverette cups are designed to create a healing environment for the nipples, the need to wash the nipples themselves after using the cups is not explicitly stated in the guidelines. The silver material of the cups provides a protective barrier, and since silver has natural antimicrobial properties, it helps reduce the risk of infection. Therefore, a quick rinse of the cups is generally sufficient, and there is no strong indication that washing the nipples after each use is necessary.
However, some mothers choose to rinse their nipples with warm water after removing the cups, especially if they feel any discomfort or if there is visible residue. This practice can help ensure that the skin remains clean and free from any potential irritants. Ultimately, the decision to wash the nipples may depend on personal comfort and hygiene preferences.
Conclusion
In summary, while it is essential to keep Silverette cups clean by washing them daily, washing the nipples after using the cups is not a strict requirement. The natural properties of silver provide a level of protection, and many mothers find that a simple rinse of the cups suffices. Listening to your body and adjusting your routine based on comfort and hygiene needs is key to a positive breastfeeding experience.

Can you wear silverettes too much?

However, excessive moisture exposure can irritate the nipples and surrounding skin and potentially delay wound healing. We recommend taking a break from wearing Silverette® for a few hours each day, or as needed.

Can I sleep with silverettes on?

Simply place Silverette® over your nipples, using your bra or nursing singlet to hold them in place. Wear them regularly, or as tolerated, in between feeding/pumping sessions. Yes, you can sleep in them!

Should I air dry my nipples after breastfeeding?

Avoid using soaps and lotions that can cause drying. Change breastfeeding positions often. Remove your baby from the breast carefully. Express a few drops of breast milk, spread it on your nipples, and let air dry.

How long should you wear silverettes?

We recommended that you start using the Silverette cups during the lactation period for preventative measures. Silverette designed the cups to use in between your nursing sessions. We recommend you to wear the cups continuously until you establish breastfeeding without any pain or damage.

Do silverettes cause clogged ducts?

Can it cause clogged milk ducts? There is no direct evidence to suggest that Silver Nursing Cups cause clogged milk ducts. However, using any kind of breast shield or nipple shield during breastfeeding can potentially cause clogged milk ducts if not used properly.

How to tell the difference between clogged milk duct and mastitis?

Plugged duct symptoms progress gradually, and can include pain, a hard lump, a warm and painful localized spot or a wedge-shaped area of engorgement on the breast. Mastitis symptoms appear rapidly and include flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills, fatigue and body aches.

How do you clean milk residue off your nipples?

How?

  1. Immediately after feeding, take everything apart.
  2. Rinse the bottle, nipple and cap or breast pump in cold water. Be sure to run water through the hole in the nipple to remove surplus milk.
  3. Use hot, soapy water and a nipple and bottle brush.
  4. Rinse in warm tap water.
  5. Drain and cover with a clean towel.

Do silverettes need to be washed?

To maintain their natural shine and remove any residue, wash your Silverette® cups daily with warm water. You can also polish your Silverette® cups with a paste of baking soda and a small amount of water. Either way, be sure to dry your Silverette® cups thoroughly to avoid any staining or oxidization.

How to clean second hand silverettes?

Silverette® can tarnish over time due to the natural oxidisation process that occurs in silver, however it is still safe and effective to use. To remove the tarnish, make a paste using a mix of bicarbonate of soda (one teaspoon) with a few drops of water. Rub the paste over the cups, rinse and pat dry.

Do you need to clean your nipples after breastfeeding?

Wash your nipples with just water because soaps can remove your natural lubrication. This lubrication prevents your nipples from drying out and cracking while nursing. After each feeding, put a few drops of breast milk on your nipples. This helps to moisturize your nipple and fight off possible infections.

Natasha Lunn

Tash is an IBCLC and Business Coach helping fellow IBCLCs create fun, profitable businesses that are more than just an expensive hobby. Before becoming an IBCLC and starting her private practice - The Boobala, Tash graduated as an Osteopath in 2008 and has been in Private Practice in South West Sydney. She was also a volunteer Breastfeeding Counsellor and Community Educator with the Australian Breastfeeding Association for 6 years. Through her business, Your Lactation Biz, Tash coaches and creates products to help new and seasoned IBCLCs build businesses that suit their personality and lifestyle.

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