Medela SoftShells Breast Shell Soothers - Inverted Nipples

I was really not looking forward to wearing the hard plastic shells I'd gotten from La Leche League to help correct my inverted nipples during my last pregnancy. Knowing I was in for a world of trouble if I didn't wear them, I dug them out and just couldn't bring myself to put them on. Then I discovered these soft shells at Babies R Us, and decided to give them a try. They have a soft backing against the breast/nipple instead of rigid plastic, so comfort is key here. Instead of being small and highly domed, these are more shallow and larger, so that they are more discreet when you wear them. There are washable inserts to absorb milk, rather than having to deal with dried pooled milk. And best of all, they do indeed draw the nipple out to prepare for nursing. I'm wearing them now, and I can't even see them through my t-shirt or feel that they are there (I actually lifted the shirt up to make sure they were properly positioned, and they were!). If you have inverted or flat nipples,...Read more

I purchased these for my second pregnancy, and began wearing them about four days a week at 35 weeks. They really do work to draw out inverted/flattened nipples. I would recommend wearing a looser-fitting shirt because the shape will be visible if you wear a tight shirt.

If you are on your first pregnancy and have questions about shells, check with your doctor, especially because they may begin to draw out colostrum or even induce premature labor.

I had no idea the first time I was pregnant that I might have problems with breastfeeding! By the time my first child was five days old, I was so exhausted and frustrated that I was ready to switch to the pump & bottle method. I'm hoping with these that I'll be able to breastfeed my second child. So far, I've seen a definite improvement, and these are comfortable enough that I can forget I'm wearing them.

Nice side note: these are dishwasher safe. Try putting them in a dishwasher basket with a top so they don't go flying around the...Read more

These really do work. I recommend using them before you have the baby though. I waited, and it was quite an ordeal. You will save yourself considerable misery if you wear them in advance (but not too far in advance, or you can induce premature labor--talk to your obgyn).