are hydrogel breast pads safe

0000191205 00000 n o Safe and non-toxic Using Reusable Breast Pads 1. 0000168825 00000 n Given that these less than convincing results are reported with great enthusiasm, you would be forgiven for thinking that this might simply have been a promotional exercise. This could be related to normal postpartum skin changes or breastfeeding complications. In spite of this, they continue to be promoted by both commercial companies and health professionals on scientific grounds. 0000061043 00000 n It seems more plausible that the figures are misreported in the text, and that the statistical tests were in fact conducted with errroneous data. 0000243529 00000 n They're often used to help soothe and heal sore nipples, and they can be kept in the refrigerator or freezer so they can provide cool relief. To maintain the milk supply, continue pumping (eight to ten times a day) and go for alternative feeding methods. If tenderness occurs, Tender Care hydrogel pads offer cooling relief and protection to tender nipples. Pros: o They actually work in soothing cracked, sore nipples. This is the same scale used to measure the other pain score, and how the two actually differ is not explained. 0000244393 00000 n The researchers found mothers reported significantly lower pain scores (a difference of just under 1 point, on a scale of 1-5) in the hydrogel group on days 10 and 12. The appearance of their nipples was assessed 3, 5, 7 and 10 days after starting the treatment by researchers who did not know which group the mothers were assigned to. 0000213767 00000 n The Hydrogel Pads are intended for single use as soothing breast pads for nursing mothers. 0000065239 00000 n Use Clean, Dry Pads. The hydrogel most commonly used in … Why not have 32 in each? A final point worth mentioning is that the study was halted early, due to a third of the 21 women in the hydrogel dressing group developing an infection. Breast care Breastfeeding is very special for both mum and baby and should be as comfortable as possible. If you’re breastfeeding and have sore or cracked nipples, Medela hydrogel pads support healing and offer instant, soothing relief. 225 women, all with fissures, were randomly allocated to one of three groups: in the first group mothers applied lanolin 3 times a day; in the second they applied breast milk after each feed; in the third they applied nothing. 0000047248 00000 n Unlike the participants in the hydrogel dressings group, those randomized to the lanolin ointment group were also instructed to place breast pads in their bras. A presentation at the International Lactation Consultants’ Association (ILCA) Conference describing the study in progress stated there were 30 women in each group3; why the control group then increases by 4 (unbalancing the design) is a mystery. Contoured shape for a comfortable fit. The nipples of the women using lanolin, however, took significantly longer to heal (45% of this group took longer than 7 days, as opposed to 32% of the milk group, and 25% of the no-treatment group). That the dressings resulted in ‘a considerable reduction in pain’ is highlighted in a special ‘key points’ box. The dressings are marketed as having moist wound healing properties, and although these are alluded to frequently, they are never actually tested. If your nipples are irritated, apply nipple cream before your breast pad. 0000016432 00000 n The main thing to note about this research is that it did not test whether the dressings actually helped wounds to heal. Firstly, there was no baseline group of mothers not applying anything to their nipples, so it is not possible to say whether either treatment was better than simply leaving nipples alone. the hydrogel dressings discontinued treatment sooner than participants in the lanolin ointment group. Cool it Mama refreshes, relaxes and revitalises whenever you feel the need and is safe to use throughout pregnancy, labour and life as a new mum. • Prior to breastfeeding, remove the gel pad. If you read the article carefully, however, a number of inconsistencies become apparent. You’ll return to your pre-pregnancy cup size a year after giving birth… even if you’re still breastfeeding, Nipple shields and milk yields: an update. 0000250841 00000 n 0000058839 00000 n 0000034084 00000 n When applied to a wound, the hydrogel creates a barrier to protect against bacteria and excessive fluid loss. Hydrogel pads: Hydrogel pads are not used for leaking. It showed, at best, that the dressings did not appear to cause any major problems for a small group of women. Wash hands before using the product. 0000048776 00000 n It is also not clear why 30 people were ‘randomized’ to the dressings group, and 34 to the control group. Rite Aid Hydrogel Breast Discs provide instant relief to discomfort and pain experienced with breastfeeding. The abstract and ‘study objectives’ sections say that the aim of the study was to compare the dressings with ‘breastmilk expression and patient education (control group).’ We learn later that in fact both groups received education. 0000047846 00000 n 1998 Nov;152(11):1077-82. This presentation also said that breastfeeding duration was being analyzed. Although the mothers reported less pain when feeding with the treated nipples, the researchers caution that this may simply have been because of the ‘Hawthorne Effect’ (the mere fact there is an intervention is enough to cause an improvement.) Caring for cracked nipples This was recommended to avoid staining their clothing. ‘Comfort scores’ are also reported to be consistently lower in the dressings group, although it is not completely clear what these are. o Not painful to apply or remove. Researchers who were blind to the treatment group rated nipples as healing significantly better when women used lanolin with breast shells, rather than hydrogel dressings. The Rite Aid Hydrogel Breast Discs provide cooling, soothing relief to cracked and sore nipples, allowing you to continue breastfeeding. 0000034482 00000 n The dressings made no difference to the development or healing of fissures or redness, as reported by observers blind to the treatment group. 0000083504 00000 n Rite Aid Hydrogel Breast Discs provide cooling, soothing relief to cracked and sore nipple allowing you to continue breastfeeding. 0000045649 00000 n The study hypothesis was that, ‘the dressings may reduce nipple pain and excoriation.’ While excoriation (skin wounding/abrasion) is mentioned several times, it was never actually measured – or if it was, the results are not reported. 0000059728 00000 n Why is this data not provided? Because bacteria can grow in moist environments, make sure the breast pad you select is completely dry. Don’t let sore and tender nipples prevent you from providing your baby with your valuable breast milk. If you are unable to figure out the obvious cause of bleeding and if it does not subside in a week, do … Best Full Coverage Nursing Pads : Dr. Brown's Washable Breast Pads They may not be as adorable as teeny onesies, nor are they packed with cool features like your brand-new stroller. SOOTHE & HEAL: Reusable up to six days, Ameda ComfortGel Hydrogel Pads provide cool, soothing relief of nipple soreness & discomfort due to breastfeeding and breast pumping. Hydrogel Breast Discs Soothe sore and cracked nipples with Rite Aid Hydrogel Breast Discs. 16% of the participants dropped out due to finding the dressings uncomfortable, and 66% said they found it uncomfortable to remove them – something they had to do before every feed. Since then, the dressings have been tested in a larger, controlled study, published in the British Journal of Midwifery1. There is another area of research, which does not examine the use of moist wound healing directly, but is still relevant to the debate. • Open pouch. Medela's range of breast care products provides you with extra support if needed and includes products to help you overcome certain challenges during breastfeeding, such as breast milk leakage or sore and cracked nipples. 0000094556 00000 n Should ‘moist wound healing’ principles be applied to cracked nipples? These criticisms are, however, a digression. Given the gradual downward trend of both sets of scores, it would be pretty odd if a pain score went from 1.4 two days previously, to 2.0 (the highest score, recorded at the start of the study), and back down to 1.4 two days later. Conclusion: Hydrogel dressings are a safe, available treatment that provided more effective pain management for nipple soreness than the common Breastfeeding is a special bonding experience for moms and babies. Here’s our pick of the best breast pads… 1. And that, of course, is precisely what it is. In the introduction, a paper is cited as saying that nipple pain typically starts to decline by day 12. They are not mentioned in the method section, and are described in the results section as ‘acceptance of the treatment’ measured using the 1-5 verbal descriptor pain scale. 0000132656 00000 n 0000250420 00000 n Place in the fridge for added cooling relief, these discs create the optimal moist environment for healing broken skin and restoring skin's natural moisture. As the technique appears to improve the healing rates of a range of skin lesions2, it has been suggested that its benefits may extend to cracked nipples3, and there are now several off-the-shelf creams and dressings that claim to maintain a moist environment, and thus help the healing process. 0000244484 00000 n Pads fit discreetly and securely inside most nursing bras for extra cushioning and protection from rubbing against clothing while healing. 0000005520 00000 n 0000100108 00000 n Self-reported measures of pain were also significantly lower in the lanolin group. 0000003871 00000 n These breastfeeding gel pads are safe, absorbent, and can be reused for up to 72 hours. 0000237302 00000 n Just as with disposable breast pads, make sure your nipple is also dry before applying a clean pad. 0000074182 00000 n The inference is not, at first glance, unreasonable – if moisture helps skin to regenerate more quickly, then it may well help injured nipples to recover too. There were a couple of problems with this study (actually, there were several, but I’ll limit it to the major ones). Is there any scientific evidence that applying moist wound healing principles can aid the recovery of cracked or injured nipples? 3. 0000168261 00000 n Although this study compared two treatments, it is again compromised by the lack of a proper control group. 50 mothers took part in the study, using a dressing on one nipple, and leaving the other untreated. 0000237138 00000 n 0000048137 00000 n 0000250004 00000 n 0000090499 00000 n The sticky pieces also prevent sliding in your bra. 0000251120 00000 n Until evidence that genuinely supports its use is found, presenting moist wound healing to mothers as a clinically tested treatment is at best misguided, and at worst dishonest. Even if the effect is genuine, it certainly does not translate into the substantial support for the dressings claimed in the article. 2008 Aug 14-Sep 10;17(15):S4, S6, S8 passim. The researchers claim that to have conducted the study blind would have been ‘impossible’, an unsubstantiated and somewhat odd statement, as it would appear to be completely possible to interview a mother over the phone without knowing what she had on her nipples. 0000003065 00000 n On the surface, the study appears to be well designed and reported: 64 mothers were randomly assigned to either the experimental group (wearing dressings between feeds) or the control group (rubbing breast milk on the nipple after a feed), and self-reported pain scores were recorded in interviews 5 times over 14 days. Br J Nurs. H�\��n�@E��y� 3gjBL��ć�7��FKR2��lӛ\e!s��0�t��|?��Oڽ�Ա�]p��Z��d��o��ݞ�1Ic��v��y�CR�*�o^�pSU7�"I�C�B�O��s�_�t�owv~R�Z�U�1�ߚ�S�\��~�=ƚ+>n�S�|��L;t�26��?��V�KgY. Gel breast pads are designed not to interfere with milk production and to integrate well with normal clothing so that there are no issues making use of the gel breast pads' advantages. They're used in disposable diapers, sanitary pads, breast pads, wound dressings, breast implants, and contact lenses. In fact, pain was significantly lower in the dressings group on only one occasion – day 12. Cools on contact for instant relief for sore nipples. 0000117053 00000 n £ 10.99 0000256574 00000 n The dressings are marketed as having moist wound healing properties, and although these are alluded to frequently, they are never actually tested. � Create a free website or blog at WordPress.com. Reusable for up to 24 hours. Rite Aid hydrogel breast discs provide cooling, soothing relief to cracked and sore nipples, allowing you to continue breast-feeding. 0000336002 00000 n They were told to express breast milk, then to allow their breasts to air-dry before applying the lanolin ointment. 0000373853 00000 n 0000074037 00000 n 0000045797 00000 n Most popular product for Mum. 0000046707 00000 n 0000112003 00000 n 84 0 obj <> endobj xref 84 114 0000000016 00000 n 0000036678 00000 n They come with a fabric backing to help protect sensitive nipples from rubbing against clothing. 0000144501 00000 n 0000168331 00000 n 0000048286 00000 n If you ignore the problems with the figures, and simply take the data at face value, it is possible that the dressings may have provided increased ‘comfort’ for some women. Moisture prevents a scab from forming, which allows new epithelium cells to move across the surface of the wound more quickly, and reduces the time it takes it to close1. A second issue is that the people conducting the interview were aware, when they spoke to the participants, which treatment they were receiving. It provides relief between feeding sessions, helping you nipple to recover. *See offer details. In fact, the study reported in this paper only lasted 7 days2 (this same error occurs in the ‘clinical case study’ reported on the manufacturers website – one can only assume the authors copied the reference without actually bothering to check it). Free delivery and returns on eligible orders. 0000213697 00000 n The text says that comfort was recorded on days 3, 5, 10 and 12, but the graph also shows data for this measure on days 7 and 14. 0000057328 00000 n A hospital-funded study comparing hydrogel and lanolin – this time documenting the impact that the treatments had on bleeding and cracked nipples – did not find the dressings to be quite so effective5. 0000172823 00000 n And pads that are not stuck fast to your bra will need to be carefully removed before breastfeeding otherwise they can fall out and onto the floor, then will need washing. There was no significant difference in healing time between the breast milk and no-treatment groups. The cooling pads create a moist healing environment, which is recommended by hospitals for optimal postpartum care. • Gently place the gel side of the pad directly over your nipple. Australian Mother & Baby Magazine Awards 2015 Gold. 0000006833 00000 n Chicco Natural Feeling Breast Pads: Priced at Rs. They can also protect your nipples from clothing rubbing against them and support the healing process if your skin is damaged. Hydrogel Breast discs are the perfect partner to our soft and breathable reusable bamboo breast pads. 0000117687 00000 n Knowledge of the treatment group in this type of study is a problem if there is any chance that the researcher may have a bias towards a particular treatment, as they may subconsciously influence the patients’ responses. 0000036395 00000 n When you consider it in this context, what initially appears to be genuinely useful research, may in fact be harmful propaganda. 0000117381 00000 n 0000004717 00000 n During the first week or so, moms may experience nipple tenderness, which could be related to normal postpartum skin changes or breastfeeding complications. 0000063961 00000 n 0000064728 00000 n 12 individually wrapped discs per pack; Continue feeding - cools and soothes cracked and sore nipples; Safe for mum and bub - safe and non-toxic, hygienically sealed; PRODUCT DETAILS. A few weeks ago, I talked about a ‘clinical case study’ posted on a medical supply manufacturer’s website, apparently demonstrating the benefits of using hydrogel dressings when breastfeeding. A layer of calming relief for sore nipples, to begin healing. • Remove gel pad from the plastic liner. Breast Hydrogel Pads : Target. ComfortGel Extended-Use Hydrogel pads may provide soothing, cooling relief and protection from nipple pain or trauma related to breastfeeding. We can see that lanolin appears to result in improved healing and lower pain scores when it is compared with hydrogel, but we still do not have any evidence that moist wound healing techniques are useful for treating injured nipples when breastfeeding – to ascertain this requires a control group where mothers keep their nipples dry. Mothers started using the treatments within 24 hours of giving birth, and their effectiveness was assessed via telephone interviews 3, 4 or 5, 7, 10 and 12 days later. 0000004681 00000 n Unfortunately, the study was poorly designed, and therefore unable to provide support for its considerable claims. 0000302509 00000 n 0000048313 00000 n Some disposable breast pads have sticky pieces on them to hold them in place. Hydrogel dressings are water-based treatments designed to provide a moist environment to accelerate the healing process. By cooling on contact, Tender Care™ Hydrogel pads provide instant relief and moisture to help keep the skin smooth and soft and ease the pain of sore nipples between feeds. Safe and non-toxic for your baby, the discs keep the nipple area dry and restores your skin's natural moisture. 0000173125 00000 n 0000036985 00000 n Restrictions apply. Previous research has shown that hydrogel dressings do not help nipple wounds to heal more quickly when women are breastfeeding… 0000094077 00000 n These nipple gel pads can be stored in the fridge to enhance cooling. Previous research has shown that hydrogel dressings do not help nipple wounds to heal more quickly when women are breastfeeding, and may potentially foster infection4. Buy Medela Hydrogel Nipple Pads, Reusable Breast Pads for Breastfeeding, Nursing & Pumping, Pack of 4 at Amazon UK. An experiment published in 1995 examined whether using a polyethylene adhesive dressing had any effect on the development of nipple redness, fissures and pain6. Nursing strike: self-weaning or a sore throat? 0000025126 00000 n Confusingly, this graph shows the control group score on day 12 not as 2.0, but as 1.4. Hydrogels are also used to thicken products such as bubble bath and lotions and give them a silky, moisturizing feel. 0000065904 00000 n So far, there appear to be only two studies that have looked at this issue. Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med. 0000243855 00000 n WHY USE HYDROGEL BREAST DISCS? The article, which describes the dressings as ‘designed to physically protect wounds while maintaining a moist environment,’ concludes that, ‘the dressings can reduce the pain and discomfort associated with nipple excoriation.’ This rhetoric sounds pretty impressive – but does it accurately reflect the strength of the evidence? 0000373814 00000 n Gel breast pads are typically made of the hydrogel material, which is suitable for pre-warming or cooling as desired. 0000074758 00000 n 0000003176 00000 n 0000100407 00000 n Made from glycerin, Soothies® Nipple Gel Pads are vegan. U��%��ek�(�3�޿d3�J�i�~�+@��k(�et @�}@��@�@EHj:�� w��+�t>W�E��0~g��4��(�#��m��!�,L�Y'120J(��(gz��d��P�k&0l�>3-g��4��i!�=�'�O��W1�1Ng(V◶��xDt*��!C��.��U��I��ڌ��ZÃB�&r�1h��,�nm�]�a ��b�b4e��()��t��L��v �ēx��T�3�2d1D2�2�qC ��Q��EA�; ��ol endstream endobj 85 0 obj <>>> endobj 86 0 obj <>/ExtGState<>/Font<>/ProcSet[/PDF/Text/ImageB]/Properties<>/XObject<>>>/Rotate 0/TrimBox[0.0 0.0 595.276 841.89]/Type/Page>> endobj 87 0 obj <>stream 0000244323 00000 n Given the possible risk of infection, and the evidence that maintaining a moist environment around cracked nipples may potentially delay the healing process, it seems to unwise to recommend the application of the products described above to mothers with cracked or fissured nipples. They help create a moist wound environment that is recommended for optimal wound care. Use soothing hydrogel breast pads or safe-to-use creams. Although moist wound healing is touted in the introduction as the ‘science bit’ justifying the use of the dressings, it is not mentioned anywhere in the procedure or the results. 0000048749 00000 n 0000058210 00000 n Prepare Your Nipple. • Do not use if the pouch is open or damaged. 0000004830 00000 n The results section states that the average score for the dressings group on this day was 1.3, compared to 2.0 in the control group, and refers you to a graph showing how the scores declined over time. 0000250031 00000 n 0000237208 00000 n 0000049378 00000 n The lanolin ointment group had eight breast infections, whereas the hydrogel dressings group had none. Through gentle massage and applying my beloved breast discs, all was well in no time and the pain was minimal. 0000250505 00000 n Hydrogel breast discs are designed to cool and soothe cracked and sore nipples. Clearly, one set of figures is wrong. Will drinking coffee when you’re breastfeeding keep your baby awake? 0000234419 00000 n 0000074616 00000 n It is important to remember, however, that nipples are subject to a unique set of circumstances when a mother is breastfeeding, so it is also quite possible that the application of the technique might not be appropriate. Breastfeeding causes nipples to become tender. 0000112120 00000 n 2. If you have sore, cracked nipples, hydrogel pads may be helpful. 0000269028 00000 n We are told 11 participants dropped out of the study, but not which group they belonged to (they could all potentially have been using the dressings). 0000049351 00000 n 2003 Jul-Aug;32(4):486-94. %PDF-1.5 %�� But if you're planning to breastfeed, you don't want to be caught red-handed (more like damp-shirted!) Broken skin makes nipples vulnerable to infection8, which may mean there is an additional problem with keeping nipples damp, rather than dry: organisms like thrush are known to thrive in warm, moist environments9. 0000034195 00000 n 0000336041 00000 n The difference between the scores of the two groups is less than a point, however, and could conceivably be down to experimenter bias, as the investigators conducting the study may have been keen to obtain a positive outcome for their sponsor. Breastfeeding: natural, but not necessarily easy, Hydrogel dressings in the British Journal of Midwifery. 0000243882 00000 n 0000045943 00000 n In a study comparing dressings made from hydrogel with lanolin (both classified by the Breastfeeding Network as having ‘moist wound healing’ properties)4, 106 mothers were allocated at random to one of two groups: the first was given hydrogel dressings to use between feeds; the second was given lanolin cream. J Obstet Gynecol Neonatal Nurs. 0000237068 00000 n 0000007117 00000 n Use They're often used to help soothe and heal sore nipples, and they can be kept in the refrigerator or freezer so they can provide cool relief. 0000061583 00000 n A more recent study looked specifically at the effect of lanolin on the healing of nipple fissures7. 0000257166 00000 n If you are sore from breastfeeding and/or have cracked nipples, Medela hydrogel pads support healing and offer instant, soothing relief. Pads provide a soft medium between your nipples and bra and prevent rubbing on the bra. 0000144404 00000 n 0000249714 00000 n If tenderness occurs, Medela Tender Care Hydrogel Pads offer cooling relief and protection for tender nipples. 0000264201 00000 n 699 for 60 pieces, these breast pads are antibacterial and help keeping the area dry through superior absorbency. 0000213586 00000 n Interestingly, days 3, 5, 10 and 12 result in comfort scores of 1.0 for the dressings, whilst 7 and 14 show the scores as 1.2 and 1.4 respectively – is it possible these higher scores were conveniently excluded from the analysis? 0000004401 00000 n Again, the graph and text do not match. An advanced treatment for broken skin, creating the optimal condition for healing nipple damage. 0000243246 00000 n 0000369494 00000 n 0000369533 00000 n - Soothes sore and cracked nipples - Worn next to your breast The brand claims that the antibacterial treatment is not transmitted to the skin of the breast and so is safe for the baby. Soothing hydrogel pads can take away pain or irritation and fasten healing process if your breasts are sore or bruised. o Relieve sore engorged breasts when milk comes in, or during weaning process. Remove adhesive tabs. 0000002576 00000 n 0000269067 00000 n Lola&Lykke Curved Bamboo Nursing Pads, £14.00 for 2 pairs/4 (£3.50 each) 0000035966 00000 n 0000060348 00000 n If you are using nursing pads with baby-safe adhesive, take off the tabs to expose the sticky bit. Hydrogel pads can help by offering instant soothing and cooling nipple pain relief. Maintaining a slightly damp, rather than dry, environment under a dressing has been shown in many studies to help wounds heal faster. There are other examples of sloppiness that call into question the integrity of the research. 0000251428 00000 n 0000062944 00000 n Ingredients: Water, Glycol, Polymer without nursing pads. trailer <]/Prev 655799>> startxref 0 %%EOF 197 0 obj <>stream 0000062244 00000 n 0000006256 00000 n 0000035166 00000 n 0000058034 00000 n Hydrogel Pads: Hydrogel pads are not used for leaking. 0000256843 00000 n Our pads provide safe nipple pain relief to mums day and night. Although it is described as ‘sponsored’ research, and discretely labeled as a ‘product focus’, it is not a study that would ever have been published with a negative result. 0000378488 00000 n 0000302548 00000 n It may be worth mentioning at this point that the research was funded by Tyco, the manufacturers of the dressings. h�b``pc`�g`c`a3`d@ Av da�X��&�oWa 0*$��Q�^��qp�s^��ǩ��F̴ Safe and non toxic for you and your baby, the discs keep the nipple area dry and restores your skin's natural moisture. 0000249431 00000 n 0000264240 00000 n