Certain situations or problems may occur during breastfeeding that cause necessary the use of liner, but this recommendation should always come from a lactation consultant or expert who analyzes our specific case and see if we really need them. Because not all cases are the same, hence the importance of a personalized diagnosis.
Today we are going to talk about the teat cups, how to use them, what we should take into account when using them and in what general situations they are usually recommended.
What are the teat cups?
They are a lactation instrument It adapts to the shape of the nipple and areola. Formerly they were made of hard materials such as glass, ivory or silver, and although in the 80s they began to be manufactured in rubber and latex, they were still too rigid, so its use ended up interfering with breastfeeding.
Currently, they are made of silicone and are very soft and thin, so that they are easily and gently placed on the nipple and facilitate its grip by the baby. If its use is correct, milk production should not be altered.
The professionals agree that the teat cups can be a useful or helpful element for breastfeeding at a specific time, but its use should always be recommended and guided by a lactation consultant or expert.
When to use them?
If they arise problems during breastfeeding the most advisable is to go to the midwife or an advisor that values what happens and guides us when it comes to proceed. In this sense, there may be certain situations in which we indicate the use of teat cups to facilitate the baby's grip on the chest.
According to the adviser Alba Pradó of LactApp, these are some of the situations in which its use could be recommended, although as we say, Each case should be studied in a particular way by a professional:
When the baby has trouble learning to breastfeed The teat cup can help you hold on and avoid using other methods to feed you. They can also be useful in cases of babies with a short lingual frenulum that have a hard time hooking the nipple.
If mixed breastfeeding has already begun and the baby begins to show signs of reject the chest, using teat cups could help you accept it better.
In cases of premature babies that they don't have much strength to suck, the teat cups can be a great ally since it gives them a firm stimulus in the veil of the palate that helps to suck more effectively and prolonged.
In certain particular cases of flat or inverted nipples, the use of nipples could also facilitate the baby's grip.
When there are cracks with pain Some mothers also decide to use the teat cups, but in these cases experts recommend analyzing the why the cracks have occurred and prevent them from reappearing, since in itself, the use of the nipple will not prevent cracks if the basic problem is not corrected (for example, modifying the posture to breastfeed if it is not correct).
How are they placed?
It is not enough to place the teat cup on the nipple and the areola, but it is necessary to evert the wings by placing the protector in such a way that it seals well and when deploying the wings generate a vacuum. If they are improperly placed, they will move during suction, causing discomfort and interfering with breastfeeding.
Once the breastplate is placed, the baby's grip will be exactly the same as if it were in skin-to-skin contact: mouth wide open, lips everted and nose and chin touching the mother's chest.If the baby is properly grasped, it is normal for the transfer of milk to be good, but if it is only caught on the hood, apart from swallowing air it will not be stimulating the breast enough, so that the production could be affected.
What should we consider when using them?
Choose the right size
The first thing we should know when using teat cups is that not all have the same size, so that the commercial brands that have different sizes and models will be the most effective, since they will offer us more possibilities to find the one that best suits our chest.
If the nipple is small for the nipple, there will be a rub against the wall of the cap that will cause pain and wounds. If, on the other hand, the teat cup is too large, it will irritate the areola and cause discomfort.
The material
The AEP Breastfeeding Committee insists on use teat cups that are as thin as possible, so that the interference is minimal.
Likewise, and although the material is usually durable, it is important to change them as soon as we see any signs of deterioration.
Hygiene
Must sterilize the teat cups before first use, but from that moment it will no longer be necessary to boil them every day. Of course, it is important to maintain proper hygiene by washing them thoroughly with soap and water every time we use them, making sure that there is no milk left.
Can the teat cups be used throughout breastfeeding?
The use of teat cups it can be cumbersome For many mothers, who always have to be aware of having them on hand, keep them in the bag when they leave the house, put them on well and wash them properly after each use. Therefore, experts recommend removing them as soon as possible.
From the AEP Breastfeeding Committee they advise the mother to take off her nipples when the baby has been sucking for a while and is calm; Although this technique does not always work and may require a lot of patience and several attempts.
Therefore, since LactApp insist on the importance of be clear that the baby can do without them before removing them, and if not, use them again until you get used to breastfeeding without teat cups.
In any case, if breastfeeding works and mother and baby are comfortable with its use, there would be no problem in using them throughout breastfeeding.Breastfeeding is a unique and wonderful moment that mother and child should always enjoy. That is why we insist once again on the importance of going to breastfeeding groups and specialized personnel that can accompany us, guide us and advise us when we have doubts, as well as specifically solve our problem.
Text reviewed by | Almudena Gomis, Multilacta Group Advisor
