Is this the first time you’ve heard of breastfeeding shells, which are actually an edible delicacy, where the mussel shell is reused for a new purpose? Breastfeeding shells are a 100% natural solution and a recycled product for relieving cracks and sore nipples, which can occur for most first-time mothers at the start of breastfeeding, when suddenly you have a baby constantly sucking on your nipples. It has been recommended from mother to daughter for generations over the last 1000 years, in Norway and the Faroe Islands, as relief for the newly baked mother’s sore nipples. Breastfeeding shells are placed on each breast in your bra immediately after breastfeeding.
100% natural
Where do breastfeeding shells come from?
Breastfeeding shells are also found in many countries and may look slightly different depending on where in the world they come from. Our breastfeeding shells come from Portugal, but when I breastfed myself 20 years ago, I got mine from Norway. They were actually sold in hospitals around.
But today, most breastfeeding shells come from the Pacific, where they are a delicacy. But for newborns like breastfeeding shells here in the Nordic region, they are cleaned and polished, so they are comfortable against the chest and look beautiful, but all processing takes place without chemicals. I love the idea of recycling things so they can be used again and again and preferably passed on to a friend or sister. They just need to be rinsed in lukewarm water. A 100% natural product.
Why use breastfeeding shells?
Firstly, breastfeeding shells are a 100% natural product, and the shells on the inside are filled with magnesium, zinc, and lime, which are the perfect ingredients for healing your sore and cracked nipples. Similarly, breastfeeding shells act as a wound healing agent against cracks and sore nipples.
How do breastfeeding shells work?
After breastfeeding, you place a breastfeeding shell on each nipple, and when the remaining milk on your nipples comes into contact with the inside of the shells, they cool down, soothe, and zinc and lime begin the healing process. At the same time, they also collect the milk from your dripping breasts. My experience is that it takes some time before the milk regulates, and your breasts stop leaking.
I should also mention that I didn’t have breastfeeding shells with my first two children. So, every time I breastfed, my nipples got stuck in my nursing pads and tore wounds. This resulted in my breasts taking longer to heal. Comfort is crucial when hormones are flying around in the body. For me, breastfeeding became fantastic, and I got off to a good start.
How to use your breastfeeding shells: Step-by-Step guide
Upon receipt, it’s a good idea to sterilize your breastfeeding shells and possibly wash them with mild soap. This is done to avoid bacteria and the development of fungus.
Place the breastfeeding shells in your bra. After each breastfeeding, place the breastfeeding shell on the nipple between the skin and nursing pad/bra. It is not recommended to use your pair of shells for more than 5 hours at a time. To avoid fungus on the nipples, it’s always a good idea to air dry your nipples. If you’re super busy, you can always use a hairdryer and use cold air. Remember, fungus thrives in moist environments, and if you were to get fungus, it’s usually because your baby has thrush and has infected you. Then you should seek help from your own doctor if it doesn’t disappear with air drying.
Maintenance
Once a day and between each use, rinse the breastfeeding shells in water. Despite all the positive testimonials and experiences from Scandinavia and France, the benefits of using breastfeeding shells have not been scientifically proven. Many mothers, as midwives have recommended the use of a pair of breastfeeding shells, regularly testify to their magical properties! Don’t hesitate to share your opinion about breastfeeding shells and tell us about your own experience.
Wishing you a wonderful breastfeeding journey! / Adelaide
