Medela SoftShells - Breastshells Manual

Parts List

To Order Parts
Many Medela locations have parts available for sale. Call the location where you purchased the SoftShells or in the US and Canada call 1-800-TELL YOU for another location in your area.

Instructions for the product

Medela SoftShells help solve some of the most common problems faced by breastfeeding women such as, nipple soreness, engorgement and flat or inverted nipples. SoftShells are comfortable to wear while helping to alleviate these conditions. Flexible silicone backs apply a firm but gentle touch to sensitive breast tissue. Low-profile design gives the bustline a natural appearance.
Holes in the top of each shell allow air circulation around the breast, and keep nipple and areola away from wet nursing pads.
The lower half of each shell is closed. A foam insert fits in this closed area to absorb breastmilk leakage. Clothing remains dry and stain-free. NOTE: Only wear the breast shells during waking hours.
If you need help with nipple soreness, flat or inverted nipples, or any other breastfeeding problem, contact your healthcare provider or a breastfeeding specialist. For the names of a breastfeeding specialist in your area, you can call the Breastfeeding National Network at 1-800-TELL YOU (in the US and Canada) or online at www.medela.com.

Inverted nipple Kit

Article #s 80220, 80220S (sterile) US #20220 Canada

Flat and inverted nipples do not protrude far enough for a breastfeeding baby to easily grasp. Incorrect "latch-on" occurs, resulting in sore nipples and a difficult breastfeeding experience. This is a surprisingly frequent problem that may go undetected until the newborn begins breastfeeding. SoftShells for Inverted Nipples will help correct the problem.
SoftShells work by applying gentle pressure on the areola at the base of the nipple. This pressure gradually forces the nipple out making it easier for the baby to latch on.
Begin wearing the breast shells during the last couple of weeks of pregnancy. Continue to wear them after the baby is born between feedings, until your baby latches on to the breast without difficulty.
Your Inverted Nipple kit can also be used to help alleviate sore nipples by ordering the backs for sore nipples (see parts section).
If your breasts are engorged, the nipple is flattened, and the baby is unable to latch on. Wearing breast shells can help draw out the nipple, making latch on easier.
Wear breast shells for a half hour before breastfeeding. If discomfort occurs while wearing the shells, discontinue use.

Sore nipple Kit

Article #s 80210 and 80210S (sterile) US #20210 Canada

Sore nipples are probably the single most common problem faced by breastfeeding mothers. Proper positioning of the baby on the breast will usually correct the condition.
SoftShells help protect sore nipples from being rubbed and further irritated by your clothing. The vent holes allow air circulation and keep nipples and areola away from wet nursing pads. They can be worn continuously between breastfeeding sessions.
If soreness becomes severe or persists, consult your healthcare provider or a breastfeeding specialist.

Additional treatment for sore nipples:

1. Limit the nursing time on the sore nipple.
2. Nurse on the least sore side first.
3. Express a little milk first to stimulate let-down.
4. Massage your breasts while nursing. This helps stimulate the milk flow.
5. Wear a cotton bra and non-plastic lined bra pads.
6. Use deep breathing, soft music, or other relaxation techniques before and during breastfeeding.
7. If your nipples become dry or cracked, gently apply a small amount of Medela Tender Care lanolin (#87122) or USP modified lanolin. If nipple tenderness occurs, Medela Tender Care hydrogel pads (#87123) offer cooling relief and protection.

Assembly & Use

for both Inverted & Sore Nipple Kits

1. Put the silicone back on the dome. Be sure it snaps on all the way around.
   
2. To absorb leakage, place a foam insert inside, at the bottom of the SoftShells Be careful not to cover the vent holes at the top.
   

Do not feed the milk collected in the foam insert to the baby. Discard this milk.

3. Place the assembled shell inside your bra with the hole of the silicone back centered over your nipple. The vent holes on the dome should be on top; the foam insert at the bottom. We recommend that you wear a nursing bra; nursing bras are roomier and the shell will fit more comfortably.

Home Cleaning

for both Inverted Nipple and Sore Nipple Kits

BEFORE FIRST USE EVERY DAY
SoftShells should be sanitized once a day. If you have just used the SoftShells, the foam inserts must be cleaned separately before sanitizing. 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. Separate and place the silicone back and dome in a small pan filled with cold water. Distilled water is recommended. Bring the water to a boil and allow it to continue boiling for approximately 10 minutes. Drain off the water and place parts on a clean cloth to dry.

FOR QUICKER CLEANING
Medela offers Quick Clean Micro-Steam bags for daily kit disinfection and QuickClean wipes for cleaning before and after each pumping session.
Shells and backs can be put in the top rack of a dishwasher or an autoclave.
Do not place foam inserts in a dishwasher, Quick Clean Micro-Steam or autoclave.

BETWEEN USES DURING THE DAY
If you are leaking, special care must be taken to avoid the build up 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.

Hospital Cleaning

for both Inverted Nipple and Sore Nipple Kits

SoftShells should be sterilized daily. The parts, except foam inserts, may be autoclaved. 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. Additional foam inserts may be ordered, Article #850.7002.

www.medela.com

Medela, Inc.
1101 Corporate Dr.,
McHenry, IL 60050
P.O. Box 660, McHenry, IL
60051-0660, USA
Ph: 1-800-435-8316
Fax: 1-815-363-1246
Email: customer.service@medela.com

Medela Canada, Inc.
4160, Sladeview Crescent,
Unit #8, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada L5L OA1
Tél.: 1-905-608-7272
Fax: 1-905-608-8720
Email: info@medela.ca

Documents / Resources

References

• Breastfeeding & Pumping

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