Medela Cooling Breast Masks

What are the reasons for sore breasts during my menstrual cycle?

During your menstrual cycle many women experience breast tenderness around the time of ovulation due to the changes in hormonal levels.¹ Some women find gentle breast massage and heat comforting other women may find relief in applying something cool to the breast. Applying the Medela Cooling Mask for a short duration helps soothe and comfort tender breasts.

What are the reasons for sore breasts in pregnancy?

The breasts change in shape and size during pregnancy under the influence of the hormones progersterone, oestrogen and prolactin.² These hormones develop and increase the number of alveoli and ductal network in preparation for breastfeeding. This change may be gradual throughout the mid and third trimester or you may feel that your breasts have increased in volume and are tender which is normal. Your breast are changing as your baby grows in utero.

Should I consult with a Dr or midwife if I experience breast pain, inflammation, find a lump or skin changes in pregnancy or after birth and breastfeeding?

Yes, it is recommended that you consult with your healthcare professional to further discuss your symptoms.

My breasts are full, sore and tender in the first week after birth. What are the reasons for this? What should I do?

After birth, your pregnancy hormones have subsided and your lactation hormones kick in to establish your milk supply. Between 24 - 72 hours after birth moms often see and feel an increase in breast size and fullness as your milk 'comes in'. This can be uncomfortable leading to soreness, discomfort and difficulties with latching your baby on the breast for feeding.³

keep on breastfeeding your baby on demand
- if your nipples are flat and your baby cannot latch effectively try reverse pressure softening or hand express a little milk to soften the areola.
- for breast fullness, discomfort and soreness apply the Medela Cooling Mask between feeds to resolve
- seek support from your midwife/ healthcare professional.

I am breastfeeding on demand and have breast redness and discomfort, what can I do?

Carry on breastfeeding on demand. If you have missed or delayed a feed put your baby to breast or express to resolve the discomfort.⁴ If the discomfort persists after feeding, apply the Medela Cooling Mask to soothe tender breasts. If the redness persists, breast is more tender to the touch and you are unwell, keep on breastfeeding to the demand of your baby and seek medical advice.

My breast are warm and tender. Why is this?

Did you know that the lactating breast require 30% of your daily energy requirement and your brain 23%⁵?
This starts in pregnancy when the temperature of the breast increases due to the increase in blood flow which in turn promotes metabolic activity. Throughout lactation the breasts continue to have increased blood flow and higher breast temperature compared to the non-lactating women as milk is produced in the glandular tissue until lactation stops.⁶

What are the benefits of applying Medela cooling mask?

The application of a cooling material is well known to soothe breast fullness.⁷

Cooling tender, full breasts alongside frequent breastfeeding eases the discomfort, numbs the soreness and helps you to latch your baby and breastfeed comfortably.

What is the benefit of cooling the breast?

Application of cold agent reduces discomfort, reduces blood flow to the area and numbs the soreness.⁸

When should the mask be used?

The Medela Cooling mask can be used to soothe tender breasts in pregnancy, during breastfeeding: between feeds or pumping or during the menstrual cycle.

How long does the cooling mask cool the surface skin of the breast?

The Medela Cooling mask - cools the surface of the breast by xx for a duration of 2 hours.

When should I apply the cooling mask to the breast?

It is recommended to apply the Cooling Mask between breastfeeds.

Can I breastfeed with the mask in situ?

No, it is recommended to remove the Medela Cooling Mask and wipe the breast before breastfeeding.

What are the benefits of the flower shape design?

Medela have designed the flower shape to support the anatomic shape of the breast.⁹ This makes it a smooth crease free fit to most breast shapes for comfortable in bra wearing.

Why does the cooling mask not cover the nipple and areola?

The flower shape design and nipple/ areola cut out is to support cooling of the skin of the breast. The hydrogel properties locks in the coolness for 2 hours. When the skin of the nipple is intact (not sore or cracked) it is important to maintain the nipple temperature and nipple skin flora when breastfeeding. If the nipple skin is broken Medela offers the Hydrogel Pad which is a deeper material design to heal cracked nipples.

Do I need to wash the mask off the breast before feeding?

Yes, it is recommended to wipe the breast after using the cooling mask before breastfeeding or pumping.

Is there a limit to how long and often I can wear the mask for?

It is recommended to wear the cooling mask for a duration of 2 hours to benefit from the cooling effect. Reapply only once within 24 hours.

Seek medical advice if you experience extended discomfort.

Can I wear my bra when I use the Cooling Mask?

Yes, the hydrogel is adhered to a soft fabric material so that the cooling mask can be worn comfortably inside your bra, whilst cooling the skin of your breast.

Cooling Breast Masks

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