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How to use breast milk collector shells?

Understanding Breast Milk Collector Shells
Breast milk collector shells are innovative tools designed to assist breastfeeding mothers by capturing any milk that may leak from one breast while the baby feeds on the other. These shells not only help in saving precious breast milk but also provide comfort and convenience during the breastfeeding journey.
How to Use Breast Milk Collector Shells
Using breast milk collector shells is straightforward, making them an essential accessory for nursing mothers. Here’s a detailed guide on how to effectively use them:
1. Choosing the Right Shell: Select a breast milk collector shell that fits comfortably around your breast. Many options are available, often made from BPA-free materials to ensure safety for both mother and baby.
2. Placement: Position the shell over the breast that is not being used for feeding. The shell should fit snugly against your breast and be secured in your bra to prevent any movement. This ensures that any leaking milk is collected efficiently.
3. Feeding Time: While your baby feeds on one breast, the shell will catch the milk that leaks from the other. This is particularly beneficial for mothers who experience significant leakage, allowing them to save what would otherwise be wasted.
4. Post-Feeding Care: After feeding, carefully remove the shell. It’s important to clean it thoroughly to maintain hygiene. Most shells are designed to be reusable and can be washed with warm soapy water or placed in a sterilizer.
5. Storage of Collected Milk: If you collect a substantial amount of milk, transfer it into a clean storage container or breast milk bag for later use. Ensure that the milk is stored properly in the refrigerator or freezer to maintain its quality.
Additional Benefits of Breast Milk Collector Shells
Beyond simply collecting milk, breast shells offer several other advantages:
– Comfort: They can help alleviate nipple pain by providing a barrier between the nipple and clothing, reducing friction.
– Discreetness: The shells are designed to be discreet, allowing mothers to wear them under clothing without drawing attention.
– Encouragement of Milk Production: By collecting milk, these shells can help stimulate milk production, as the body responds to the demand for milk.
Conclusion
Breast milk collector shells are a practical solution for nursing mothers looking to maximize their breastfeeding experience. By effectively capturing leaking milk, they not only help in reducing waste but also contribute to the overall comfort and convenience of breastfeeding. With proper use and care, these shells can be a valuable addition to any breastfeeding routine.

When should I start using milk collector?

Mothers with average or low milk production should wait to apply the silicone breastmilk collector until after baby finishes nursing on the first breast.

Do breast shells affect milk supply?

It was found that both nipple shields reduced milk transfer: the Mexican Hat decreased milk supply by 58%, with a mean volume of 19.5 g compared to a mean volume of 46.4 g without a shield, whereas the thin latex shield diminished milk intake by 22% from a mean volume of 38.4 g without a shield to 29.9 g.

Are milk collection shells worth it?

Breast shells can be super useful for catching any breast milk that’s leaking from the other breast during feeding or pumping. There are two great things about this. One, you won’t get milk on your clothes, and it will reduce mess (and laundry – hallelujah).

When to use milk collection shells?

When to use? You can wear milk collection shells during breastfeeding to catch leaking milk as described above, as well as between feeds to avoid wet patches. Just remember to remove them every two to three hours and let your breasts air-dry, as this prevents any excess moisture damaging your nipples.

How to use breast shells while breastfeeding?

Place shell over your nipple inside your bra, your bra will hold the seashell in place. Clean seashells once a day using gentle soap. You can wear Shellies Breastfeeding Seashells continuously between feedings while you are nursing regularly.

What is the 3-3-3 rule for breast milk?

The ‘Rule of Three’ guideline suggests allowing the baby to nurse for at least three minutes on each breast to ensure they receive a balance of foremilk (initial, thirst-quenching milk) and hindmilk (higher-fat, calorie-rich milk).

What is the 5 5 5 rule for breast milk?

Something I recommend to moms is the 5-5-5 rule. Try and use milk within five hours at room temperature, five days in the fridge, and by five months in the freezer.

Can I sleep with milk collection shells?

And avoid wearing breast shells in bed at night, as this can cause skin tenderness – you could try our Ultra breathable nursing pads to absorb heavy leaking breast milk instead, or Ultra thin disposable nursing pads if your flow is lighter.

Does pumping every 2 hours increase milk supply?

Pump more often, from both breasts
Many women wonder how often they should pump. A general guideline is to pump every three hours. But if you’re trying to produce more breast milk, you can: Try pumping both breasts for 15 minutes every two hours for 48-72 hours.

How do you use breast milk collection shells?

Centre the opening of the milk collector over your nipple so that your nipple is in the middle. Push onto breast and gently squeeze both sides of the container. You’ll feel light suction and the collector will stay attached without you needing to hold it. Pop on your bra/singlet/shirt.

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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