Avent Breast Shells: Saves the milk, saves the Mess!
Written: Jan 27 '00 (Updated Jun 27 '00)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Saves all the mess from leaking, plus you can save the milk!
Cons: Make sure the funnel is pointed UP so the milk doesn't run out
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| WorkingMomof2's Full Review: Avent Breast Shells |
A friend told me about these AFTER I had my first child. I was skeptical, but bought some to try with my second baby. One day, and I was convinced. If you are breastfeeding, YOU NEED THESE!
These are little opaque disks that go in your bra when you are breastfeeding. You get two in a set, but you only use one at a time. Its like a little frisbee, with a lid on it, and there is a whole in the flat part (the lid side) that your nipple goes into. The idea is that when you nurse on side A, you release milk on side B also, which normally would all come out and soak your shirt/bra/pads, whatever. These little disks catch all that extra milk, and prevent the mess.
In addition, if you are concerned about saving your breast milk, you can pour the runoff (what is in the little disk) into a dixie cup, and then put it in the fridge or freezer for later use. I found I was getting between 1/2 and 1 oz PER SIDE when I nursed, just from the breast shields! That was all milk that normally I would have wasted... but instead, I was able to save that and continue giving my child breast milk after I quit nursing (at 4 months). This, combined with the milk saved from the breast pump (see my review on the fabulous MEDELA Pump in Style) kept my daughter on breast milk for another full two months!
Nonetheless, the best feature about these is that they save all that mess. One of my friends said "eeewww" -- she just stuck a towel over the other breast when she nursed. With my son, I didn't have these, and I would end up soaking through all the pads on the opposite side when I was nursing, as well as (usually) my bra. So I had to do laundry every single day, just to wash the bras (4) and pads (about 30). With the breast shields, I was able to cut that in half, and had very minimal leakage during breastfeeding.
I saw someone commented about leaking. I did have two occasions when these leaked. I am embarrassed to admit that in both cases, I was because I flung the breast shield in, without checking the direction of the little pour spout (there is a little open lip on one side, so you can pour off the milk). Of course, it was down... and when the milk flowed INTO the breast shield, it flowed right OUT again onto me! LOL Boy did I feel silly. So that is one thing you have to check for.
Another friend tried these, and told me (after a couple weeks, I think) "well they help a lot during nursing but they are uncomfortable, don't you think?" Turns out she was wearing them all day. OUCH! These are solid plastic, not made to be worn for long periods of time. Just pop 'em in when you are ready to nurse, then switch it to the other side when you nurse over there, then drain the milk & wash out the shield. Don't wear them all day. :)
These were about $8 a pair, I got them at Babies R Us. I would not want to breastfeed without them... Some people may not think these are as great as I do, but I LOVED them.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
WorkingMomof2
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Member: Amy
Location: Southern California
Reviews written: 313
Trusted by: 539 members
About Me:
Every time I close the door on reality it comes in through the windows.
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