I can’t be the only mother whose bra performs the double act of a handbag. This hit peak moments during breastfeeding when upon unleashing an ample bosom to feed my hungry infant we’d both be met with a torrent wave of nursing pads, tissues, a dummy, a warm stick of chewing gum and maybe even a couple of Panadol – but never shells. I’m not being quick to dismiss it though, who knows – perhaps the French are on to something!
Babyologists, there’s no denying the use of shells is a little different to your usual breastfeeding accessories but these breast shells from France’s Bebe Nacre could well be a wise investment for breast care during breastfeeding.
Breast milk is full of hydrating, antiseptic and healing qualities and Bebe Nacre shells are designed to act as a shield to assist in nurturing your nipples. All that’s required is for you to rub a little milk onto your nipple and place the shell on top, inside your bra. I highly recommend placing a nursing pad over the top to avoid awkward glances from passers-by, but nobody need know what’s going on inside your bra but you!
There are three sizes available to accommodate all women – petite, moyenne and grande which you can easily measure yourself up for using the Bebe Nacre sizing guide.
Bebe Nacre breast shells are priced $49.95 a pair and available from Petite Bisou.
10 Comments
I had a baby with a tongue tie – so I suffered terribly in the first few weeks and would have paid any price for some relief. If I have another and am in pain I would for sure buy these and try them!! I certainly wouldn’t use some plastic rubbish to tuck into my bra!!
How funny! They look very pretty, although I doubt they would look that enticing on my blue veined udders. I had trouble in the beginning with very cracked nipples but it all got better in the first 6 weeks. I used the gel pads which healed the cracks between feeds! Amazing considering my boy would rarely go more than 3 hours between feeds for the first 6 MONTHS!! I have to agree with some of the comments tough, I thought the best thing to do was to rub a little milk on the nipples and then let them hang out in the breeze, if you could even get a couple of minutes of sun on them, even better.
these shells are amazing! not only for yourself, but they are awesome presents for baby showers. i have given 2 pairs to 2 friends and both friends rave about them too. $50 is worth every cent if it helps make your breastfeeding experiance less painful for those who suffer from painful nipples.
I SWEAR by these things. First bub, I had a horrible time. Cracked, sore, bleeding nipples. I kept at it, and after months it got easier. Second time around, I got given these as a gift and MY GOD – WHAT A DIFFERENCE. Worth every cent and more if you ask me. I will be buying them for baby showers from now on – the best investment ever.
These shells are not like a beach shell…they are handmade shells that promote the healing and comfort in the breast. They are fabulous! You spend money on teething products for children that cost far more than breast products. Trust me, you won’t find a more beautiful product than these shells! We should never feel embarrassed about what’s inside our bras…we should use these shells that not only aid healing, but help you feel very special!
I think that everyone is being very quick to make a statement about the usefulness of these shells without even ever having tried them. I used these shells with all my kids and would be more than happy to spend $150 on them if that’s what they cost. They are the MOST BRILLIANT idea and work like nothing else on the market. I suffered horribly with my first baby and lay up crying night after night with the pain. As soon as I used the shells the pain went away. I was able to feed my baby for longer and that is worth all the money in the world! There are other plastic and cheaper alternatives but they don’t do they same job as these shells. As for keeping your breast moist, it has been well known for hundreds of years that breast milk helps heal a cracked and damaged nipple like nothing else. This quote is taken directly from a breast feeding website by a lactation expert “This treatment, called moist wound healing, eases pain and allows wounds to heal faster without forming a scab. Best of all,you won’t need to wash ointment off before feeds.” If you have never heard of it, you should have a read and you will be suprised. This isnt to say that a breast shouldnt get any air to it either, it is quite easy to remove the shells if you feel the need. Finally, there is NO NEED TO WEAR A PAD OVER THE SHELL AS IT IS NOT NOTICEABLE UNDER YOUR BRA. They are a beautiful product and I urge everyone to give them a try!!!
I have looked them up and am curious about the sizing…. will my nipples change size between now and when I have my baby? I have three months to go!
Thank you Babyology for writing about us!
The Shells are actually a very old tradition of Breast Care from Scandinavia and is still being used today. The Shells act as a healing shelter to protect your nipple from rubbing and giving your own breast milk time to heal up any wounds.
Use the shells when you go out as they are such a natural shape no one will know you have them on, so no need to wear pads over the top.
Many Mums are using them in the early days of their pregnancies when their nipples become super sensitive. The Shells stop any uncomfortable contact with your bra – easing the pain!
The Shells are beautiful to wear and are re-usable. They can be packed away and used again for your next baby so they are well worth the investment for your own comfort.
The Shells retail at $49.95 only ( even at the Baby Expo)
Thank you again,xx
I have to say that I am using these shells since having my new baby 8 days ago and they are bliss. I put them on all the time after a feed and they are so soothing and avoid chaffing in your bra with sore nipples. I can highly recommend them and will be buying them as gifts for all new mums.
I have a cousin who had her second baby in Geneva and she swears by these. The hospital gave them to her when she started breastfeeding. I am currently pregnant with my second due in July and will definitely be getting some!