Breast shell
Encyclopedia
Breast shells are hollow plastic disks worn inside the brassiere
to protect the nipple
from becoming flattened. The disk has a hole in the middle worn toward the nipple side. It is slightly concave to conform to the shape of the breast, but can sometimes still be slightly visible under tight clothing. Shells come apart for washing. This should be done frequently, as the shell also tends to make the mother's breast sweat, which can increase bacteria growth and cause irritation.
Breast shells may be used to protect engorged or sore nipples during breastfeeding
. The shell can also encourage an inverted nipple
to protract (come out). If the shell is used to help ready the mother for breastfeeding, this is best done during pregnancy, as the shell can increase leaking of breast milk or colostrum
. Some research suggests that breast shells used on inverted nipples may actually hinder the mother's ability to breastfeed successfully.
It is also used to collect milk when the baby has not finished the teat.
Nipple shields
may be confused with breast shells, but shields are intended for use during the act of breastfeeding, whereas breast shells are worn in preparation for or after breastfeeding.
Brassiere
A brassiere is an undergarment that covers, supports, and elevates the breasts. Since the late 19th century, it has replaced the corset as the most widely accepted method for supporting breasts....
to protect the nipple
Nipple
In its most general form, a nipple is a structure from which a fluid emanates. More specifically, it is the projection on the breasts or udder of a mammal by which breast milk is delivered to a mother's young. In this sense, it is often called a teat, especially when referring to non-humans, and...
from becoming flattened. The disk has a hole in the middle worn toward the nipple side. It is slightly concave to conform to the shape of the breast, but can sometimes still be slightly visible under tight clothing. Shells come apart for washing. This should be done frequently, as the shell also tends to make the mother's breast sweat, which can increase bacteria growth and cause irritation.
Breast shells may be used to protect engorged or sore nipples during breastfeeding
Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is the feeding of an infant or young child with breast milk directly from female human breasts rather than from a baby bottle or other container. Babies have a sucking reflex that enables them to suck and swallow milk. It is recommended that mothers breastfeed for six months or...
. The shell can also encourage an inverted nipple
Inverted nipple
An inverted nipple is a condition where the nipple, instead of pointing outward, is retracted into the breast. In some cases, the nipple will be temporarily protruded if stimulated, but in others, the inversion remains regardless of stimulus...
to protract (come out). If the shell is used to help ready the mother for breastfeeding, this is best done during pregnancy, as the shell can increase leaking of breast milk or colostrum
Colostrum
Colostrum is a form of milk produced by the mammary glands of mammals in late pregnancy. Most species will generate colostrum just prior to giving birth...
. Some research suggests that breast shells used on inverted nipples may actually hinder the mother's ability to breastfeed successfully.
It is also used to collect milk when the baby has not finished the teat.
Nipple shields
Nipple shield (breastfeeding)
A nipple shield is a nipple-shaped sheath worn over the areola and nipple during breastfeeding. Modern nipple shields are made of soft, thin, flexible silicone and have holes at the end of the nipple section to allow the breast milk to pass through. Older nipple shields were made of latex and...
may be confused with breast shells, but shields are intended for use during the act of breastfeeding, whereas breast shells are worn in preparation for or after breastfeeding.