How the Breast Nurse works

The breast nurse works on the four principal phases of breastfeeding:

Primary breast engorgement: By the third or fourth day after birth, many mothers experience a difference in their breasts, changing from soft to firm and full. Pain is caused by an increase in the blood supply and fluid in the breast tissue, which create heat and hardness. This is a temporary condition and tension will pass after 24-48hrs, especially if baby feeds frequently after birth.

Ideal pain relief method: Use the pack cool to act as an anti-inflammatory and soothe the breast, especially after a feed.

Blocked ducts: Sometimes one of more ducts can become blocked and can create a lump where milk is prevented from flowing through.

Ideal pain relief method: Use the pack warm, prior to the feed to help dilate the milk duct and allow the milk to flow more freely.

Mastitis: Milk from a blocked duct may leak into the breast tissue. The body's natural reaction is to increase the blood supply, which produces inflammation and redness.

Ideal pain relief method: Try alternating with a warm and cool pack; warm before a feed and cool after to soothe and help reduce the inflammation (seek advice from your counsellor or doctor if symptoms persist).

Weaning: Because rapid weaning can lead to more milk being produced than is actually required, breasts can become full and hard.

Ideal pain relief method: Use the pack warm to encourage a small amount of milk to leak from the breasts. Use a cool pack to relieve soreness and reduce swelling.

Directions for Use

To cool: Store packs in outer carton in the fridge for a minimum of 30 minutes or freezer for 5 minutes (do not freeze for longer than 5 minutes or they will be too cold for comfortable use.)

To warm: Fill a bowl with boiling water and immerse packs for 5-10 minutes. Remove the packs carefully and dry. DO not heat in the microwave or oven.

To use: Before applying, check that the temperature feels comfortable on the skin and then slip packs into your nursing bra. Rotate the widest area of the pack to rest on the most painful area. The bra should not be too tight. When using the pack cool, you may find it comfortable to place a tissue or cotton gauze between the pack and your breast.

Storage: Packs and outer carton can be safely stored in fridge.

CAUTION: Do not microwave or heat packs in an oven as excessive temperature can cause burns and will damage the pack. If cooled in freezer for maximum 5 minutes, use care before applying.