How do hydrogel breast pads work for sore nipples?
If you are currently struggling with sore nipples, you will understand well why it is one of the main reasons moms give up on breastfeeding in the early days. There are many different treatment options, and the same option won’t work for all mothers.
Firstly, it is of extreme importance to address the cause of nipple pain. Most nipple damage is caused by an incorrect latch. There are also other conditions that can lead to sore nipples. Be sure to read our guide to Nipple Pain During Breastfeeding to make sure you address the problem correctly.
What are hydrogel breast pads?
Hydrogel dressings are a type of wound dressing designed to hydrate wounds and to provide an environment in which wound healing can take place. It is indicated for use in dry wounds or those with mild oozing. Hydrogel works by both absorbing drainage from wounds and by hydrating dry areas of the wound. It also helps to remove dead cells from a wound. Hydrogel dressings are a safe, available treatment that provided more effective pain management for nipple soreness than conventional nipple ointments (Dodd and Chalmers 2003).
Hydrogels have a cooling and soothing effect on the skin, making it an excellent option for treating burn wounds. It is also an option available for moms with sore nipples during breastfeeding. It provides a soft and protective area for sore nipples and is soothing and cooling.
As a lactation consultant I have been recommending various hydrogel pad options to mothers for years. However, I experienced endless frustration as these products were continuously out of stock, sometimes for months or years at a time. They are also rather expensive, meaning many mothers couldn’t afford the use. This prompted me to source a product that was affordable and always available.
How to use All Things Breastfeeding’s Hydrogel Breast Pads:
Note: The above guidelines are meant for All Things Breastfeeding’s own product. If you are using a product of another brand, be sure to follow their instructions.
- Store pads in a dry, cool space.
- Wash hands before touching your nipples.
- Rinse your nipples with a mild saltwater solution (one teaspoon of salt on 250ml of water) after feeding and pat dry.
- Open the pouch and remove the product.
- Peel of the plastic film and place the gel side of the pad over your nipple
- Do not use if the pouch was opened or damaged
- Do not use hydrogel breast pads in conjunction with any other nipple ointments.
- Before feeding baby, gently remove the pad and place gel-side up on a clean surface. For cooling effect or if the room temperature is warm, place the pad inside the refrigerator between sessions.
- Rinse your breast with clean water after removing the pad and before latching baby.
- Do not rinse or wash the pad, or use any soaps or detergents.
- Use the same pad on the same nipple (do not switch sides as it may potentially spread any infection).
- Each pad can be used for 24 hours; if it becomes cloudy/milky before then, discard and use a new one.
- If your nipple is badly cracked it may stick to the pad. REMOVE GENTLY! Use an earbud to gently loosen if this is the case. Pulling the pad off in one go may pull along healing tissue which is not what you want to happen.
- Apply the pad again after feeding.
Are Hydrogel breast pads safe?
As with all other products there are some safety considerations. If you experience any skin reaction or worsening of symptoms, please stop using and contact your healthcare provider. Use with caution in the presence of fungal and bacterial infection (in which case a medicinal ointment to treat the infection would be a better option). The product is meant to be used in conjunction with all the other tips for treating sore nipples. It will help to lesson symptoms and promote healing, but sore nipples won’t clear unless you address the cause. For any questions for further information, please email info@allthingsbreastfeeding.co.a
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