Medela TheraShells Breast Shells

Features

• Medela TheraShells Breast Shells includes:
  - 2 shells
  - 2 flat/inverted nipple shell backs
  - 2 sore nipple/engorgement backs
  - Instructions
• Weight: 0.2 lbs
• Backings are made of soft, flexible silicone backs and include both backings for sore and inverted nipples
• Domes are made of polypropylene

More Information

• Product Usage:
  - Only wear breastshells during waking hours. The reason that you would only wear them during the day is so that you do not have to worry about lying on them or having them shift. If they shift they could apply pressure to the wrong area. If you are awake, you will know if they have moved out of place or if the pressure is too much and be able to adjust them.
  - For inverted nipples, begin wearing the breast shells during the last couple of weeks of pregnancy (contact your healthcare provider before pre-natal use). Continue to wear them after the baby is born between feedings, until your baby latches on to the breast without difficulty.
  - For sore nipples, breast shells can be worn continuously between breastfeeding sessions.
• Cleaning:
  - Before first use:
  Disassemble all parts and sanitize by boiling for 10 minutes. After each use, disassemble and wash all parts with mild soap and warm water, rinse thoroughly and dry completely. Plastic shell parts are safe to autoclave, boil, dishwash and clean with Medela Quick Clean Micro-Steam bags
  - Between uses during the day:
  If you are leaking, special care must be taken to avoid the buildup of dried breastmilk on the shell parts and in the foam inserts. If the foam inserts become saturated, separate the shells, backs and inserts. The shells and backs should be washed with a mild soap or detergent in warm water, rinsed thoroughly in cold water and dried. Squeeze the milk out of the foam, then rinse them twice with clean cold water. Dry them by squeezing between a clean cloth or paper towel.
  - Important:
  When boiling or autoclaving, clean all six pieces at the same time. Disassemble prior to boiling or autoclaving.
• To Disassemble:
  - Push the tab with your thumb while pulling the back with your index finger. Or Squeeze the assembled pieces. The back will separate from the dome.
• Flat or Inverted Nipples:
  - Assemble the dome and back with small hole (cone) together to form a shell.
  - Place the shell inside your bra with the cone centered over the nipple. The cone will create slight pressure at the base of the nipple, drawing it out.
  - Wear the shells for half an hour before breastfeeding to help draw the nipple out, making it easier for baby to latch on. If discomfort occurs, discontinue use.
  For use with flat or inverted nipples during pregnancy, begin wearing the shells during the last couple of weeks of pregnancy.
  If you are breastfeeding, only wear the shells in between feedings, during waking hours.
• Engorgement:
  - Assemble the dome and back with small hole (cone) together to form a shell.
  - Place the shell inside your bra with the cone centered over the nipple. If leakage occurs, a bra pad can be placed directly in your bra at the lower edge of Therashell dome. The vents in the dome allow free circulation of air around the nipple. The shell also keeps clothing and wet bra pads off the nipple.
  - Wear the shells for half an hour before breastfeeding to help draw the nipple out, making it easier for baby to latch on. If discomfort occurs, discontinue use.
• Sore Nipples:
  - Assemble the dome and back with large hole (ring) together to form a shell.
  - Place the shell inside your bra with the ring centered over the nipple. If leakage occurs, a bra pad can be placed directly in your bra at the lower edge of Therashell dome. The vents in the dome allow free circulation of air around the nipple. The shell also keeps clothing and wet bra pads off the nipple to help prevent further irritation.
  - Wear the shells during waking hours to help treat the soreness.