A nipple shield for breastfeeding can be made of rubber, soft latex or silicone. The shields are placed over the mother's nipple and areola and serve to prevent the baby's mouth from coming into contact with the mother's nipple. If you decide to use nipple shields, it is important to know when to use them and how to care for them.
Steps
Learn how to use nipple shields
-
Use nipple shields if you have an infection or skin condition. Nipple covers also provide protection for your baby if you have skin conditions such as psoriasis or eczema, especially in the breast area.
- Using nipple shields can help prevent the transmission of any of the above skin conditions from mother to baby.
-
Do not use nipple shields unless your baby has any problems breastfeeding. Some experts believe that you should not use nipple shields unless you experience any of the problems listed above. They believe that nipple shields will cause your baby to get used to the hard nipple and then he will not be able to suck milk from your real soft nipple.
- This kind of disorientation that can actually occur is called sucking confusion.
- It is recommended to use nipple covers for no more than 14 - 30 days.
Use nipple shields if baby has trouble latching on to nipples. Breastfeeding nipple shields were originally designed for babies who have difficulty latching onto the nipple or those who latch on to the nipple along with the bottom of the breast's areola. It is important that the baby sucks milk without rubbing the nipples or causing other complications.
Nipple shields are also useful if you have flat or inverted nipples. Breastfeeding nipple shields can also be used if you have flat or inverted nipples. Such nipples cause great difficulty for the child or even make sucking impossible.
Selection and use of nipple covers.
-
Select nipple covers of the right size and shape. Your baby will most likely not get enough milk if you choose the wrong pumps. Factors to keep in mind include:
- Depending on the size of breasts and nipples, breastfeeding nipple shields also come in a variety of sizes to suit as many women as possible. The nozzle is transparent and follows the shape of the nipple. The nozzle should imitate the mother's nipple.
- To determine the correct size, place the nozzle on the top of your breast and make sure your nipple can fit into the cup area of the nozzle. The nozzle should be like part of the chest.
-
Make sure the nipple shield is not too long or too loose. The attachment should not be loose, and the length of the attachment should be longer than the part of the chest to which it is attached.
- If the nozzle is too long, it may cause unpleasant consequences for your baby, such as nausea or difficulty adjusting. This is because the excessive length of the nozzle may fall onto your baby's face during feeding, making it difficult for your baby to get milk.
-
Make sure you do not have an allergic reaction to certain materials. There are many different brands on the market and you should try different ones if you are concerned that one brand may cause an allergic reaction.
- Allergies may occur to rubber, soft latex or silicone. Make sure you are not allergic to any of these products and that the attachment does not contain these materials if you are allergic.
-
Squeeze a few drops of breast milk into the cup area of the attachment. Once you've chosen your attachment, the next step is to position it correctly before you start breastfeeding.
- Squeeze a couple of drops of breast milk into the cup attachment. This will ensure that breast milk comes out of the breast. You will also ensure that the milk can pass through the opening of the nozzle.
-
Place the bottom half of the nozzle under the nipple and areola. After checking the patency of the nipple shield, place the bottom half of the shield under the nipple and areola.
- Next, pull the other half of the nozzle up, crossing the nipple at the top of the areola, making sure that the nipple is in the center of the nozzle. By doing this, you can ensure that the entire area is tightly sealed and maximizes breast milk transfer without chafing.
- Keep in mind that most attachments will touch your baby's face, nose and chin.
Feeding the baby
-
It is very important to feed your baby in the correct position. Once you have placed the nipple shield on, you need to position your baby correctly. Correct positioning and application to the nipple is just as important as proper attachment of the nipple.
- If your baby is positioned incorrectly, sucking can be challenging and require more effort for your baby, which can leave your baby tired and hungry.
- If your baby is too far away or too low or too high from the nipple, the nipples may become sore because they will stretch as your baby has to put more effort into sucking.
-
Hold your baby so that his tummy touches yours. This way, your baby will be at a level that is neither too low nor too high relative to your chest. This position will also be more comfortable for you because you won't have to hold your baby high in your arms.
- Turn your baby towards you, placing your baby's head near your chest. Avoid leaning towards your baby as this will put extra strain on you. Stay upright.
-
The baby's hip, shoulder and ear should be in line. Sit in a comfortable upright position and place your baby's tummy next to yours, making sure his hip, shoulder and ear are in line. This will help your baby swallow more easily.
- Make sure your baby's nose is against your nipple. Sucking will be more comfortable in this position.
-
Bend your arm into a C shape and support your chest. Then put the baby to your breast. Once your baby's nose touches the nipple, you should bend your right arm into a C shape (if you are feeding on your left breast, or your left arm if you are feeding on your right breast).
- Lifting your chest using a C-arm force will not interfere with your baby's head and body position. Plus, with the C-shape that lifts your breasts, you won't touch the nipple or move the attachment.
-
Point the nipple into the baby's mouth. By holding your hand in position C, you can guide the nipple closer to your baby's nose or upper lip. Do not point it towards the center of the baby's mouth.
- If you point the nipple directly into your baby's mouth, he may not open it. By rubbing your baby's upper lip with your nipple, you will force him to open his mouth.
- After the baby has opened his mouth, place the nipple there along with the lower areola.
-
Let the baby latch on. Once your baby has latched onto the nipple correctly, the next step is to check how he or she is sucking. Your baby's mouth should not be close to the edge of the nipple, but should be able to grasp as much of the nipple as possible. This will ensure that your baby can suck as much milk as he wants.
- The baby will stop feeding on his own when the breast milk runs out or when he is full.
-
Feeding with a nipple shield will take longer than regular feeding. Using a nipple takes longer than breastfeeding without one because your baby will need more force to suck than usual since the nipple is a little stiffer than your natural nipple.
- After feeding, make sure that the breasts are empty of milk, and to avoid breast engorgement, hand express the breasts. If there is still milk left, you can use a breast pump.
They don’t always wear comfortable thongs, buy expensive underwear, and decide to undergo a painful hair removal procedure. In general, they do everything to ensure that only they get male attention. But today the representatives of the stronger sex are practically not surprised by anything. Many people see her in beautiful lingerie, but not every man sees a girl who has no bra on her chest, but at the same time her nipples will be covered. We are talking about overlays called pastis. Today we will find out what these erotic stickers are, how to put them on and properly care for them.
general information
Some people don’t know, but now you can increasingly hear this word from the lips of fashionable and modern women. Pastis is silicone. It is glued to the breast, covering only the core of the mammary gland. These pads do not smell, do not cause allergies, and can be used many times.
Diversity
What pastis is is now clear, but many people don’t know what this accessory looks like. Nipple shields can be of different types, for example:
In the shape of a heart.
In the form of roses.
Pastis are colorless, round.
Stickers with various designs: red roses, bows, butterflies, skull, maple leaf, palms, strawberries, bells, lips, etc.
Pastis with hanging tassels.
The pads are fluffy.
Stickers with chains.
How to use the pads?
Some women don't know how pastis are attached, but it's actually very simple. There are 2 ways to glue these overlays:
- Using adhesive strips. A small piece of strip is glued to the chest, and pastis is attached on top. The advantage of the method is the speed of adhesion of the lining. The disadvantage is the unpleasant procedure of peeling off the pastis.
- Using a special one, apply it to the pad and press it to your chest. The advantage of this method is that the pastis lasts quite a long time. The downside is that the glue takes a long time to absorb.
In what cases should it be used?
Many world stars use pastis at various events. Why are these pads needed? To show off your breasts, to attract the attention of others to them? In fact, pastis can be used in various situations:
- On the beach for an even, even tan.
- As an erotic addition to diversify your sex life.
- To hide nipples under transparent light clothing.
- In a solarium to protect against ultraviolet radiation.
By the way, Dita von Teese demonstrated pastis for the first time. After this, other screen stars began to use silicone pads - Rihanna, Victoria Beckham, Paris Hilton and, of course, Lady Gaga.
Pastis for tanning
It’s hard to stand out on the beach, especially if you don’t have a size 5 bust or a butt like Jennifer Lopez. Men will not stare at girls dressed in simple swimsuits. The same cannot be said about those ladies who have pastis on their nipples. Even if a woman does not have a magnificent bust, the male sex will still pay attention to her. Pastis is the choice of brave girls who want guys to admire and be carried away by them.
In addition, such overlays provide the fair sex with an excellent tan. In a swimsuit, your body will tan unevenly. Where the skin is protected from the sun, stripes will be visible. And this ends up not looking very aesthetically pleasing. To give your body a beautiful, even tan, you can use these overlays. Then the nipple will be protected from the sometimes harmful sun, and the skin will become dark everywhere.
Stikini
This is a type of pastis. Stikinis are used only in solariums. These pads are small circles that are also glued to the nipples. Stikinis are most often made from foil. The purpose of these covers is to protect the nipples from harmful radiation. The difference between stikini and pestis is the shelf life. The pads intended for solariums are disposable.
Decoration of an erotic nature
Dancing a striptease to your beloved man on February 23rd is a great gift. Of course, what erotic dance can there be without beautiful lingerie? This is a must. Transparent panties drive men crazy. But so that guys don’t immediately see your nipples behind transparent underwear, you can hide them with pastis. This is how a girl can delay the moment of rapprochement and surprise her chosen one with a new accessory. Surely every man will like these pads. They will attract the attention of the opposite sex to the chest, kindle the desire for intimacy and passion in guys.
Storage rules
All girls should know what pastis is, but besides that, they should definitely buy this accessory and use it. Since these pads are reusable, you need to know how to properly care for them in order to extend their service life:
- You can store pestis by attaching them to glass or a mirror. You can also store this erotic sticker in plastic wrap.
- If the pad is already poorly attached, you can fix it using any cream that is safe for the skin.
- Pastis can only be applied to dry and clean breasts. Before using this accessory, you need to get rid of cosmetics: creams, lotions and other products. If you do not wash off the perfume and care products, you can damage the adhesive surface and then the sticker will not stick well.
- If a woman wants to remove pastis, she needs to know that it should be removed very carefully so as not to damage the skin. After removing the sticker, rinse it with water and blot with a soft cloth.
Conclusion
From this article you learned what pastis is and why this overlay is needed. An erotic accessory, protection from ultraviolet radiation, an enticing item for men - that's what this sticker is all about. World stars are not ashamed to appear in public in revealing outfits with pasties covering their nipples. Maybe ordinary women should try this erotic accessory? Men will definitely be delighted with him.
Today I’m talking about the sensitive topic of choosing nipple covers. This thing is a full-fledged accessory that can be used on its own and together with different sword belts, with fully or partially open sconces and pieces made of transparent tulle, of course.
Whether you need them for a classy boudoir look, to ignite passions, or just for a fun burlesque party among your girlfriends, the question remains where to find them.
There are at least two types of overlays. Some have an adhesive-like inner surface, while others have an ordinary one. For the latter, special adhesive tape (disposable) is sold, which is applied to the pads before use.
Classic
Classic overlays include round overlays and heart-shaped overlays, and everything is the same, but with tassels in the middle.
Of course, you will find such models at Agent Provocateur. There are silk tassels and classic shapes here. The pads are attached with hypoallergenic tape.
The second place to check out for those looking for a classic is Fraulein Kink. The overlays are presented in leather of various colors and decorated with tassels made of gold-plated chains. Some models are connected to each other by a chain. There are glossy and matte options.
The Atsuko Kudo brand has classic (and not only) options for latex overlays.
Style
My biggest love is nipple shields from Bordelle. I like absolutely everything. They are not in burlesque style, and not in classical style. They have their own special universe that you want to get into.
As for previous Bordelle collections, pay attention to Minerva.
Unfortunately, they are no longer available in their own online store, since only the latest collection is offered there. But at other stores with whom Bordelle works, I often see items from previous collections.
View all the pads that Bordelle currently has.
On the left is a beautiful example from Karolina Laskowska.
It was made in only three copies.
The overlays are made of leather and finished with a gold pattern on top.
A classic with its own unique character was found in the La Lilouche brand. I just couldn't pass by.
Conciseness
There are beautiful feather accessories in the Glitter Cowboy Capes store. Moreover, here you can make a thing according to your wishes.
Girls just want to have fun
Cute, funny, funny, symbolic, role-playing, dedicated to the holidays. You'll find something fun here. Behind the scenes are rainbow and Darth Vader nipple covers.
The disco ball, unicorns and ice cream caught my attention the most, so I started my excursion into fun things from the BadBunny store.
There are even knitted nipple covers available from Sex on a Stitch on Etsy.
Who will like these types of overlays:
For lovers of revealing outfits;
for those women who do not like to wear a bra;
those with sensitive breasts who feel discomfort when their nipples rub against the fabric;
sports lovers in training.
And perhaps most of all, women who often wear tight-fitting clothes have already come to love silicone pads so that their nipples do not show through the fabric. Don’t be surprised: this phenomenon is encountered very, very often – especially in cool rooms. Representatives of the fair sex go to all kinds of tricks to look decent - they put extra T-shirts under their blouses, tie scarves or shawls around their necks so that the ends cover the piquant parts. Some people, even in the summer heat, are forced to wear a tight bra with a thick layer of foam (even if they have rather large breasts) so as not to get into an embarrassing situation. Silicone pads allow you to wear thin bras by attaching the pad to the . Some models of overlays even allow you to avoid wearing underwear altogether.
What are these silicone “things”?
The classic “appearance” of the overlays for everyday wear is more than modest. As a rule, these are flesh-colored silicone products with a spherical or round shape with a diameter of 6-6.5 cm. As for more extravagant models, the colors and shapes of the overlays are limited only by the imagination of the creators. For example, you can find silicone in red, black, purple, and green shades, and metallic in the form of a star, triangle, flowers, hearts... The undoubted advantage is the ease of use of such overlays. It is enough to stick them on the chest without using any additional means. You will be more than pleased with the result: natural breast shape (if there is a small size), nipples are reliably protected from prying eyes, the absence of any seams under tight-fitting and transparent clothing.
What are the benefits of nipple shields:
* hypoallergenic;
* have no smell;
* “breathable”, i.e. allow air to pass through;
* reusable: products made of high-quality material will withstand use up to 100 times;
* are tightly fixed on the chest, which prevents them from slipping;
* safe and reliable.
Subtleties of handling overlays
So that silicone pads do not become a one-time thing for you, but serve faithfully for numerous appearances, you need to know simple rules for their use.
1. Pre-cleanse the breast skin with a damp cloth: the pads love cleanliness and do not tolerate dust, sweat, and body care lotions. If you neglect this procedure, the silicone will instantly become clogged and will no longer adhere to the skin.
2. Remove the protective film from the inner surface of the pad and precisely fit the product onto the nipple in such a way as to hide it.
3. Using light pressure, press the pad onto the breast so that its edges are neatly laid around the nipple.
4. When removing the pads, we try to be as careful as possible so as not to damage them.
As for caring for this simple feminine attribute, it is extremely simple. After removing the pad, just wipe with warm water, dry with a towel and wrap in film, preferably cling film, until next use.
About once a month it is worth washing the sticky side of the pads more thoroughly with soap to maintain their fixing properties.
Are there any contraindications?
It would be unfair to talk only about the wonderful properties of this miracle thing without mentioning the limitations of their use. So, wearing pads should be avoided if the breast skin is damaged or inflamed; conditions causing disturbance; individual intolerance to silicone. In addition, do not forget that the maximum wearing time for such products is up to 8 hours a day.
Now your women's arsenal will be replenished with another irreplaceable assistant. It’s just a matter of small things: go in search of a tight-fitting or open outfit that has been passed over by you for so long. In it you will look confident, and therefore stunning. Of course: all the unpleasant surprises that may arise when wearing delicate materials are prevented.
How to choose breastfeeding pads? Who needs them? Does lactation benefit or harm? How to use them correctly? Features of breast pads for nursing mothers and instructions for their use.
Breast shields are molds made of polymer material designed to protect the mother's nipple. They are placed over it before feeding and, thanks to several holes in the front, allow mother's milk to enter the baby's mouth.
A baby cannot get milk as easily as from a bottle. He still has to suck. That is why some lactation consultants allow the use of breast pads, choosing between artificial feeding and natural, but with such an accessory.
Indications for use
When feeding pads appeared on the market, they were perceived as universal and safe. After several years of use by women in many countries around the world, observations by specialists, it turned out that they create more difficulties than they solve. Therefore, today there is a single recommendation for the use of these accessories - do not use them if possible.
But when there is no opportunity, you should not perceive them as a “necessary evil”. Use for medical reasons is permissible in the following situations.
- .
- In case of deep skin damage, when feeding causes unbearable pain for the mother, it is possible to temporarily use pads to protect the injured areas. After the wounds have healed, the accessory should be discarded as quickly as possible. Feeding children of certain groups.
- Children with developmental disorders of the central nervous system may have problems with breastfeeding. Such children often suck weakly, push out their tongue or curl it up, and do not hold the mammary gland well in their mouth. The use of pads will allow you to support natural feeding, which is even more valuable for weakened babies than for healthy ones. High sensitivity of the nipples.
The recommendation for the use of breast shields for women with flat nipples is not justified. During feeding, the baby does not suck the nipple itself, but the entire lower part of the breast. Therefore, with a nipple of any shape, breastfeeding is possible if you master the technique of attachment. An obstetrician or breastfeeding consultant can help with this.
Pros and cons of the accessory
“Breast pads for feeding will help a weak or premature baby,” says breastfeeding consultant Olga Sidorova. “But in reality they are rarely needed.”
Breastfeeding expert Natalya Razakhatskaya agrees with her opinion: “The use of these accessories causes a serious blow to natural feeding. Those problems that currently exist in the “mother-baby” pair are simply pushed aside for later. And they will definitely arise again, but in a more pronounced form.”
Advantages
The products can be used when the mother has tried all the methods of proper breastfeeding. For example, when the baby is unable to latch onto the nipple in different positions, continues Olga Sidorova.
Among the advantages of accessories are the following:
- mechanical protection of the nipple, reducing exposure to the skin;
- the familiar “breast shape” if the baby has already been fed from a rubber nipple in the maternity hospital;
- psychological confidence of a woman who doubts the shape of her nipples and her ability to breastfeed.
The benefits of nipple shields for breastfeeding are questioned among many breastfeeding consultants. Thus, IBCLC expert Natalya Razakhatskaya warns: “Don’t look for the easy way out if your nipples are injured or you have difficulty latching on. Overlays do not solve these problems. Avoid them, work on eliminating difficulties.”
Flaws
An ambiguous attitude towards the feeding accessory is caused by its many shortcomings.
- Formation of incorrect sucking technique. Maternal breasts are much softer than the silicone or latex from which devices are made. To “extract” milk from them, the baby has to make more effort. Babies begin to bite their breasts harder and work not only with their tongues, but also with their jaws. Some develop their own vacuum technique, essentially doing the same thing without the necessary breast stimulation. After applying the pads, the baby transfers his skills to his mother’s chest, as a result of which he injures her, often even more severely than before.
- Getting used to “rubber” breasts. Babies who were introduced to a rubber accessory earlier than natural breasts, or who received it for a long time, often do not want to return to full breastfeeding. Everything is unusual for them: the shape of the breast, its hardness, and the sensations in the mouth. Feeding causes the baby to cry, whims, and the baby turns away from the nipple. It is difficult to retrain him; it requires patience, endurance and perseverance on the part of the mother.
- Insufficient stimulation. Breastfeeding shields follow the shape of the nipple, but do not have an areola. In fact, the baby stimulates only the nipple area, which does not allow the mammary gland to fully release. According to breastfeeding consultant Oksana Mikhailechko, this leads to an increase in the duration of feedings, a decrease in milk consumption, and a decrease in its production. One of the most negative consequences of using an accessory for a baby is weight loss due to insufficient nutrition. For the mother - the formation of stagnation, increased risk,...
- Mechanical difficulties. The polymer “cap” can come off during feedings, the baby may choke on it or swallow air, and then burp. The mother's discomfort is caused by milk leakage, difficulties with feeding at night, and latching outside the home.
The disadvantages of nipple shields for breastfeeding also manifest themselves in the psychological uncertainty of the mother. A woman is afraid of breastfeeding without silicone forms and worries that the baby may refuse to breastfeed. This increases the period of their use and aggravates the problem.
Rules for using overlays
When there is no way out, and silicone protective “caps” seem to be the only solution to the problem, you need to decide which ones are best to use and how to do it correctly.
Choice
Various models of linings are available for sale. Unfortunately, there are no uniform recommendations for their selection. You will probably have to purchase several accessories and try them on, trying out the ease of feeding in different models.
Focus on your feelings. The right pads fit tightly and do not create discomfort during feeding.
- The size is close to the nipple. Your breast and its “substitute” should be as close as possible in shape and size. Matching their height and base parameters are important. The latter should freely accommodate the nipple inside, and its tip should approach the tip of the pad, but not rest against it.
- The nipple takes up maximum space inside after the start of feeding. When the baby makes several sucking movements, the nipple should occupy at least two-thirds of the volume of the accessory. It is allowed for it to rest against the holes at the tip of the product. In this case, the overlay should neither press nor fall off. In the first case it is small, in the second it is large.
- The base is adjacent to the areola. When the baby sucks, the correct pad becomes a “second skin”; it fits tightly, like a glove.
- Mom experiences a rush of milk. If this sensation occurs quickly enough, it means that breast stimulation is provided in a normal manner.
According to experts, the most comfortable accessories are the thinnest ones; they are practically not felt by a woman. Silicone feeding pads have a minimum thickness. Reviews indicate a sufficient level of comfort for the accessories “Avent”, “Medela”, “Baby Frank”. Thicker and rougher in appearance (“World of Childhood”, “Nak”), made of latex, will not be as comfortable.
Application technique
To learn how to put on an accessory correctly, you need to practice. The technique of use is as follows:
- lift the edges with the thumb and index finger of your right hand;
- put it on the nipple, holding the edges;
- press the edges against the skin.
Before use, you can moisten the silicone with warm water to make it fit more tightly to the body. Feeding is carried out using standard techniques:
- place your breast only in your wide open mouth;
- make sure that the lower lip is tightly attached to the areola and that the chin is as close as possible to it;
- Complete feeding on the baby's initiative, wait until he releases the nipple.
To make sure that your baby is getting enough milk, it is important to monitor your own feelings and weight. The absence of congestion indicates that the breasts are emptied fully, and the baby eats as much as necessary. Conduct a wet diaper test: more than twelve urinations per day for a one-month-old baby indicate adequate nutrition.
Care
Like the rubber pacifier, the cover should always be kept clean to avoid diseases of the baby’s gastrointestinal tract. Frequent boiling of silicone and latex accessories is not recommended, as it makes the polymer hard.
- Sterilize before first use. Boil the new pad after purchase.
- Wash with soap and water. After each use, rinse and dry the product.
- Boil occasionally. Boiling once every other day for three minutes is enough.
- Sterilize with steam. If you have a steam sterilizer, you can avoid boiling. This treatment is gentle, so the silicone remains soft longer. Steam sterilization can be carried out daily for five minutes.
Your breasts are never dirty, but pathogenic microorganisms can actively develop in the cavity of artificial material moistened with sweet milk. Therefore, proper care of the protective caps is extremely important.
Disclaimer
According to breastfeeding experts, the technique of eliminating breastfeeding pads is no less important in the instructions for use than their choice. It is important to remember that the less you use an accessory, the easier it will be to abandon it.
- Start feeding in the shield and quickly remove it as you go. A hungry baby may not notice the “substitution” and will calmly continue to eat.
- Offer your unprotected breast to your sleepy baby. The most convenient time to return to full-fledged natural feeding is the period of night sleep and after waking up. When your baby is sleeping, he is much more likely to latch onto your nipple.
- Reduce the area of silicone. Cut off a small piece from the silicone nipple every day, thereby increasing the area of contact between the baby and the body. Gradually abandon polymer molds completely.
If your baby is too attached to the breast shields and refuses to nurse without them, be patient. It may take you a couple of weeks to return to normal feeding.
- Spend more time with your baby. Carry him in your arms, sleep together. Constant contact with the mother and availability of the breast at any time of the day or night will allow the baby to quickly get used to it.
- Remove all breast fakes. It is necessary to get rid of everything that the baby can suck: pads, nipples. Gradually, the need to implement the sucking reflex will encourage him to “return to the chest.”
- Supplement with expressed milk. If your baby cries under your breast and refuses to eat, feed him your milk from a cup, pipette or spoon. Offer the breast before and after feeding.
In most cases, the process of returning to normal feeding is much more complex than the problems that silicone nipple shields are designed to solve. Therefore, use them briefly - only while the problem exists. It is ideal to use them for several days.
The question of how to use breastfeeding pads is often raised internationally. Experts from the international organization La Leche League call for a complete abandonment of them, as they create additional problems with feeding. Before resorting to them, it is necessary to take all possible measures to improve the application technique. And the time of use should be kept to a minimum.