Silicone pads for feeding

Nowadays, silicone pads for feeding are becoming increasingly popular. No wonder, because this device at times facilitates the process of feeding. Particularly in need of lining in cases where the baby does not take the breast badly or the mummies have cracks on the nipples. However, despite the obvious advantages, experts in the field of breastfeeding still do not recommend abusing innovation, and some even advise you to refrain from buying.

So, let's find out if the long-term use of silicone linings for feeding has negative consequences, in which cases is it possible to use them, and how to choose this device correctly.

How often and in which cases can I use silicone pads on the breast for feeding?

Despite the widest range and availability, silicone pads are not considered a panacea, but rather an extreme measure. To resort to the help of this device doctors are advised only in those cases when the question of the possibility of continuing breastfeeding is at stake. For example, in situations where a child:

• refuses the breast and tongue pushes the nipple;
• lags behind in development and has some deviations in the development of the central nervous system;
• was born prematurely;
• It is not possible to correctly grasp the mother's sucked and flat nipple .

Also, the use of pads is considered appropriate if a woman has bleeding and inflamed cracks on the nipples.

The above situations imply a short feeding through the lining in order to continue the natural breastfeeding in the future. For a long time specialists do not recommend using the device, as this can lead to a number of negative consequences:

• changing the technique of sucking;
• accustoming to the lining and further refusal to breastfeed;
• poor stimulation of the mammary glands and as a result - the appearance of mastitis, a decrease in milk production, malnutrition and poor weight gain;
• increasing the duration of feeding;
• psychological addiction of mother and fear to return to natural feeding.

How to choose the right size of silicone pads on the breast for feeding?

The correct size and quality of products minimize the risk of negative consequences of the application. Suitable for the size of the patch should be as similar to the mother's nipple, that is, should not be narrow or too loose. Ideally, the nipple should reach the holes, and when the child performs sucking movements - fill the entire front of the device. Also, the aureole of the breast should fit tightly. As a rule, the number of milk tides is indicative of whether the mother was able to choose the appropriate size of silicone linings for feeding. If a woman feels a rush of milk immediately or after a while after feeding, then there is no reason to worry.

Also, proof of the correct choice and use of linings are: absence of milk stasis, sufficient weight gain in the baby, frequency of stool and urination.

It is important to note that quality correct lining is very thin, so much so that the sensations of the mother during feeding are absolutely identical with those when the baby eats without them. In turn, thick pads significantly change the sensations, in addition, they violate the correct technique of sucking. In this case, the kid does not work at all with the gums and tongue, but simply sucks the milk at the expense of the formed vacuum.

How to dress silicone pads for feeding?

At its core, the lining is the simplest device, its dressing does not require skill and skill. Therefore, if the product is correctly sized, it is sufficient to raise the edges and put the patch on the nipple, then press the edges to the skin. It will be easier to wear an overlay if you wash it with warm water.