For mothers having difficulties breastfeeding, a lactation consultant may recommend a lactation tool to help baby latch, nurse, or use in lieu of breastfeeding when mother develops problems, such as irritated, sore nipples. Some lactation tools are used temporarily, until mother and baby adjust and learn to breastfeed. There are several lactation tools that a lactation consultant or medical professional may recommend, but the results from using these various lactation tools will vary between mothers. There are no guarantees in use of lactation tools, but may be worth the effort for preservation and success of breastfeeding. Also be aware there are a lot of different companies making similar lactation tools, but the following products are recommended because of my professional experience with them. Continued lactation assistance and support from your lactation consultant (IBCLC) is highly recommended. As always, discuss and get advice for any medical problems or concerns from your obstetrician and baby’s pediatrician.
Check out these recommended lactation tools, in addition to other breastfeeding products and books available by order through Amazon:
(DISCLAIMER: As an Amazon Affiliate/Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases for any products linked or posted on this website.)
- MEDELA “SOFTSHELLS” BREAST SHELLS:
There are two types of SoftShells Breast Shells by Medela. One type is used when mother has flat or inverted nipples, to help draw out the nipples to make it easier for baby to latch. Mother wears the SoftShells under the bra continuously during the day in between feedings or pumping, and the consistent pressure causes the nipples to protrude after the breast shells are removed just prior to breastfeeding. If mother only has one breast with a flat or inverted nipple, she uses only one breast shell.
Medela SoftShells Breast Shells for Flat of Inverted Nipples: https://amzn.to/3VnsMwq
The other type is used when mother has sore nipples, and uses the breast shells to keep her bra and clothing off the sore nipple, to allow for healing.
Medela SoftShells Breast Shells for Sore Nipples: https://amzn.to/3VeMryn
Medela product description:
–INNOVATED TO EFFECTIVELY ADDRESS SORE OR FLAT/INVERTED NIPPLES: Medela SoftShells are designed to specifically help and support moms with flat or inverted nipples who wish to breastfeed their little one – our breast shells help to comfortably draw out nipples and can be worn continuously during waking hours in between nursing and/or pumping sessions
–SOFT, FLEXIBLE DESIGN FOR SUPERIOR COMFORT: Engineered with flexible silicone backs, Medela SoftShells fit closely around your nipple and apply gentle, consistent pressure that gradually draws out flat or inverted nipples to help you nurse more easily
–BENEATH CLOTHING FOR A NATURAL APPEARANCE: Low-profile design ensures a natural appearance under clothing for enhanced privacy and discretion; large vents allow air to circulate freely while reusable inserts absorb leakage. If using the SoftShells, do not feed the milk collected in the foam insert to the baby. Discard this milk. - NIPPLE SHIELDS:
Nipple shields are used when mother has flat, inverted, or nipples that baby has difficulty latching onto. Nipples shields should be used under the direction and guidance of a lactation consultant or medical professional. Feeding assessment by a lactation consultant as to whether a nipple shield is necessary, is recommended before use. Also a lactation consultant will help you determine which size nipple shield fits and will work most efficiently for you.
READ MORE ABOUT HOW TO USE THE NIPPLE SHIELD BEFORE USE: handouts-parents (lactationtraining.com)
Medela Contact Nipple Shield (24mm) for Latch Difficulties, Flat or Inverted Nipples: https://amzn.to/3KyOc4n
Medela Contact Nipple Shield (20mm): https://amzn.to/3yVKq2D
Medela Contact Nipple Shield (16mm): https://amzn.to/3VIKHz3
Medela product description:
–DESIGNED FOR SPECIAL BREASTFEEDING: The Medela Contact Nipple Shields were made to address common breastfeeding issues, including flat or inverted nipples and those experiencing latching difficulties, soreness, and overactive letdown.
–INNOVATIVE DESIGN FOR MORE CONTACT: Made of 100% ultra-thin and soft silicone, Medela’s Contact Nipple Shields feature a unique design with a cut-out area that encourages maximum skin contact between you and your baby.
–USE UNDER DIRECTION OF MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL: Medela’s Contact Nipple Shields should be used under the direction and guidance of a physician, lactation consultant, or other healthcare professional to ensure proper use.
–MADE WITHOUT BPA: Like all other Medela breast pump parts and accessories that come into contact with breastmilk, our contact nipple shields are and have always been made without BPA. - LANSINOH “LATCHASSIST” NIPPLE EVERTER:
The Lansinoh LatchAssist Nipple Everter is useful for mother if she has flat, inverted, or nipples that baby has difficulty latching onto. Similar in purpose as the Medela SoftShells, the LatchAssist helps to gently draw out mother’s nipples prior to nursing, making it easier for baby to latch and breastfeed. It is NOT recommended that either the Medela SoftShells or the Lansinoh LatchAssist Nipple Everter be used during pregnancy. Continuous stimulation to the breasts during pregnancy may induce labor.
Lansinoh LatchAssist Nipple Everter: https://amzn.to/4bVYwQ7
Lansinoh product description:
–Gently squeeze bulb and place the shield over and around your nipple. Lightly press shield down against the skin to ensure an airtight seal. Slowly release the bulb for the desired pressure. Repeat gently until your nipple is extended and the baby can easily latch on to the breast. To remove, squeeze bulb and gently pull away from breast. After use, wash again, rinse and air dry.
–Please read all instructions and use only as directed. - COLOSTRUM COLLECTION SUPPLIES:
In the first few days after delivery, colostrum will sustain baby while your body gets stimulation from baby suckling at the breast and ramps up for increasing milk production. Hand expression and collection of colostrum to feed baby may be necessary if baby does not latch or suckle well in the beginning days.
While collection and feeding of colostrum with a Baby Feeding Cup: https://amzn.to/4edCGsO will work and is an alternative, a colostrum collection kit makes the process easier and allows for extended storage of breast milk.
Haakaa Colostrum Collector Kit, 4ml: https://amzn.to/3VxFlGs
Haakaa product description:
What is colostrum? Often in the last few weeks of pregnancy a few drops may leak out from your nipples – this is colostrum. Colostrum is rich in nutrients, including protein and vitamins, and is easily absorbed by newborns. This nutrient boost provides a whole range of benefits for your baby!
Collect, store and feed colostrum: The Haakaa Colostrum Collector can cover all of this! Colostrum collector syringes can help you collect each drop of colostrum without waste. There is no need to transfer it to another container, keeping things safe and hygienic. Once collected, simply pop on the leak-proof cap, then store it directly in the fridge or freezer. When you’re ready to feed your newborn, gently squeeze the Haakaa colostrum milk collector to feed them your precious liquid gold! - SUPPLEMENTAL NURSING SYSTEM:
A Supplemental Nursing System (SNS) is used when baby is not able to transfer milk adequately by breastfeeding alone. Supplementation with breast milk or formula is needed to feed baby additional milk, while still allowing mother to breastfeed. Instruction and guidance to use a supplemental nursing system from a lactation consultant or medical professional is recommended. Assistance and support from a lactation consultant is especially helpful when mother first starts to use an SNS.
Medela Starter Supplemental Nursing System, 80ml: https://amzn.to/45iDokx
Medela Supplemental Nursing System, 150ml: https://amzn.to/3RiJJXy
Medela product description:
–The Supplemental Nursing System (SNS) is a nursing device specifically designed to help mothers and parents to breastfeed / chestfeed by supplying milk to the baby while they are being fed at the breast / chest.
–Helping you achieve your breastfeeding / chestfeeding goals by increasing the opportunity to feed at the breast/chest.
–Facilitates bonding and skin-to-skin contact.
–Promotes milk supply by stimulating the breast through sustained sucking.
–Supports the baby’s oral development of sucking skills to create vacuum.
–Provides milk supplementation without the use of bottles and teats - BREAST PUMPS:
There are a lot of breast pumps available on the market for mothers to choose from, and while all are designed to be universally utilized, each mother may have a different pumping experience yielding varied results. In other words, one breast pump may do well for one mother, but not for another mother. Overall though, the recommended pumps to establish and maintain milk supply are hospital-grade double electric pumps due to their higher efficacy. Moreover, to learn more about the difference between breast pumps with open or closed systems, READ MORE AT: “What’s the difference between open- and closed-system breast pumps? | Medela“ From over 20 years of professional nursing experience in hospital postpartum and neonatal ICU units with mothers using Medela pumps successfully, my top recommendations remain with Medela pumps. Here are three double breast pumps and a manual pump to consider:
Medela Sonata Smart Breast Pump: https://amzn.to/4ccha5X
Medela product description:
–Double-electric, daily-use breast pump: Designed for moms who pump several times a day
–2-Phase Expression Technology with one-touch letdo wn button: Provides more milk in less time when double pumping when compared to single pumping in the expression phase
–Smart: Connects with Smart Solution to the Medela Family app
–Quiet: Our quiet personal-use breast pump allows for discreet pumping anywhere
–Hospital performance: Inspired by Symphony
–Illuminated touch screen display and rechargeable battery: To conveniently pump anywhere, anytime
–Overflow Protection: Closed system at the kit, which prevents milk from entering the tubing & motor
Medela Pump in Style with MaxFlow Breast Pump: https://amzn.to/4ba0w6l
Medela product description:
Medela’s Pump in Style with MaxFlow technology is a hospital-strength double electric breast pump inspired by Symphony, our hospital-grade pump. This powerful pump features built-in letdown and massage mode cycles that transition automatically, for a clinically-proven increase in milk volume of up to 11.8%. An intuitive control panel lets you increase or decrease vacuum strength across 10 levels for maximum efficiency. Y-shaped tubing offers single- and double-pumping options. Included are two sizes of our oval-shaped PersonalFit Flex breast shields for increased comfort, along with a battery pack for pumping on the go. Keep your Pump in Style MaxFlow parts together in the stylish microfiber pump bag.
Momcozy Hands-Free Breast Pump Mobile Style M6: https://amzn.to/3ySHm7r
Momcozy Product Description:
-Ideal Rhythm, Increasing Milk Supply: Through meticulous research and over 1,000 trials, the Momcozy R&D team has perfected an optimal pumping rhythm that not only ensures your comfort but also effectively boosts milk production.
-2nd Gen Motor, Strong Suction: The 2nd Gen motor boasts a powerful suction of 295 mmHg, With 3 Modes (Stimulation + Expression + Mixed) and 9 levels, offering a more comfortable and efficient pumping experience for moms.
-More Fit & Hidden, Perfectly In A Bra: Momcozy Mobile Style wearable breastfeeding pump is based on the best-selling underwear mold cup, that fits the curve of breasts better. Its ergonomic design allows you to enjoy the freedom of pumping wherever you’d like with next-level discreetness.
-Just for You: Momcozy Breast Pump Hands Free Mobile Style offers 4 sizes (17/19/21/24mm) for a perfect fit. One charge can be used for 180 minutes/6~8 sessions. Large LED display shows time, battery, and intensity levels for convenient monitoring. With only 4 easy-to-clean pieces, save your time.
Medela Harmony Manual Breast Pump with Flex Shields: https://amzn.to/3VwuzR0
Medela Product Description:
-Light and discreet: our new Medela harmony manual pump can easily fit into your handbag so you can take it almost anywhere and pump
-Flex Technology: unique 105-degree angle, oval shape, and soft rim offer a better fitting breast shield for optimal comfort while pumping and more milk per session
-Research-based technology: our manual breast pump uses 2 phase technology to mimic natural baby sucking behavior at the mother’s breast
OTHER LACTATION PRODUCTS: - Medela Quick Clean MicroSteam Bags, Sterilizing Bags for Bottles Breast Pump Parts: https://amzn.to/3Rk4oup
- SILVERETTE The Original Silver Nursing Cups, 925 Sterling Silver Nipple Cover Guards, Soothe and Protect Sore Nipples: https://amzn.to/3VecfKY
- Medela Hydrogel Pads | Pain Relief for Sore or Cracked Nipples: https://amzn.to/4bX9o0k
- Lansinoh Organic Nipple Balm, soothing protection, safe for baby: https://amzn.to/3KAVvZx
- Motherlove Organic Lanolin-free Nipple Cream, for nursing and pumping moms, safe for baby: https://amzn.to/3S9zZPO
BREASTFEEDING AND PARENTING BOOKS: - “Breastfeeding Made Simple: Seven Natural Laws for Nursing Mothers” by Nancy Mohrbacher and Kathleen Kendall Tackett: https://amzn.to/3z0s6Fn
- “Ina May’s Guide to Breastfeeding: From the Nation’s Leading Midwife” by Ina May Gaskin: https://amzn.to/3VgdVnp
- “The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding: 8th Edition” by Diane Wiessinger, Diana West, and Teresa Pitman: https://amzn.to/3VhBH2k
- “Your Baby Skin to Skin: Learn to Trust Your Baby’s Instincts in the First Year” by Rachel Fitz-Desorgher: https://amzn.to/4e66bNc
- “Heads Up Mom: The Early Years with Baby and Toddler” by Lori Arnold: https://amzn.to/3z11eoJ
- “LATCH: A Handbook for Breastfeeding with Confidence at Every Stage” by Robin Kaplan, M.Ed., IBCLC: https://amzn.to/4aVm06w
- “Three in a Bed: The Benefits of Sleeping with Your Baby” by Deborah Jackson: https://amzn.to/3yQ76Bt
- “Sleeping with your Baby: A Parent’s Guide to Cosleeping” by James J. McKenna: https://amzn.to/3VyUMhG
- “Nurturing Wellness and Joy from Bump to Birth: A Guide to Care and Wellness Through Pregnancy” by Amber Reese: https://amzn.to/3Vdcs0V
- “Mayo Clinic Guide to Your Baby’s First Years, 2nd Edition” by Walter Cook, MD and Kelsey Klaas, MD: https://amzn.to/3Ri2Tg6
- “Your Baby’s Microbiome: The Critical Role of Vaginal Birth and Breastfeeding for Lifelong Health” by Toni Harman and Alex Wakeford: https://amzn.to/3V9DAho
- VIDEO- “The Magical Hour: Holding Your Baby Skin to Skin in the First Hour After Birth” produced by Dr. Brimdyr, Dr. Widstrom, and Kristin Svensson is a good resource as well: https://amzn.to/4c8o9wP
- “Protecting Your Potential for Breastfeeding” by Kelly M. Durbin: https://amzn.to/4dDJL52
- “Making More Milk: The Breastfeeding Guide to Increasing Your Milk Production, Second Edition” by Lisa Marasco and Diana West: https://amzn.to/3WX0kmT
(DISCLAIMER: As an Amazon Affiliate/Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases for any products linked or posted on this website.)