Silverette® Nursing Cups FAQs: How do they work?
For mothers wishing to breastfeed, nipple pain can disrupt the experience, and in some cases lead to earlier cessation of breastfeeding than the mother would like.
But, it doesn't have to be this way!
Silverette® Nursing Cups have been tested and are loved by mothers, neonatologists, midwives and paediatricians. They are now the best selling breastfeeding product of their kind, being sold in over 28 countries.
But you are probably asking yourself what are they, how do they work, and what makes Silverettes® so effective?
What is a Silverette® Nursing Cup?
Silverettes® are medical-grade nursing cups, crafted out of pure 925 sterling silver and are 100% nickel free. They are specially designed to fit over and help protect nipples between breastfeeds, as well as soreness as a result of pumping. Silverettes are handcrafted by silversmiths in Northern Italy.
How do Silverette® Nursing Cups work?
Studies on silver have shown that the precious metal contains ions which have antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal and antibacterial benefits. These are powerful agents that efficiently work to create an environment to promote healing.
Silverette® have been designed as an anatomical shape of the nipple and the skin in this area in contact with the silver has helped provide relief and repair of the nipple skin at any stage of the breastfeeding journey.
'I have tried everything for my cracked nipples. Laser, creams etc…they also work however silverette is by far the most efficient. I am So glad I found it and I can keep using when I need. Also a big thank you for their team for answering all of my questions. I would 100% recommend this product just because it made my breastfeeding journey easier.' - Marcella C
What are the benefits of using Silverette® Nursing Cups?
Sore nipples are very common during breastfeeding and can often be a result of an incorrect latch position between baby and mother. When this happens, what had started out as minor skin wear and tear of nipple skin can turn into cracked nipples.
Mothers often turn to cream, however they are known to mask and not effectively soothe and heal nipple in between feeding sessions. As mothers address the cause of the issue through professional support, Silverette® nursing cups are there to provide prevention, soothing and healing of the nipple(s).
The cups have been designed to harness silver’s benefits by mothers wearing them in between the feeds.
Silverettes® are also the only nursing cups that can be used indefinitely. With no used by dates like creams, mothers can use multiple times as they grow their family.
'Lifesaver during the first month of breastfeeding. Tried a lot of creams, ointments etc but found the quickest to heal the sorry state of my nipples was the silverettes. The protection against my clothing while wearing them was really beneficial too and alleviated the soreness. Would definitely recommend for any mom early on in their breastfeeding journey. Although quite pricey compared to topical treatments, the investment is worth it!' - Sarah G
How do you use Silverette® Nursing Cups?
The cups are worn under your nursing bra or even if you plan on using absorbent breast pads, just place the breast pad over Silverette cups and your bra will hold everything in place.
1. Express a couple of drops of milk in each cup and place the cup directly over the nipple, securing the cup with the nursing bra.
2. Prior to breastfeeding, remove the cups and clean the nipples with warm water or a water wipe. Once feeding is completed, rinse the cups with warm water, pat dry and repeat step 1 of the process in-between feeds.
When do you start using Silverette® Nursing Cups?
Silverettes® should be used during the lactation period for preventative measures. It is designed to be used in between nursing sessions, and is recommended to be worn continuously until breastfeeding is established without any pain or damage.
It can be used pre and postnatal as a preventative measure for sensitive nipples, as well as for nipples that have been damaged from expressing milk.
I pump, would Silverettes® still work for me?
Yes! Silverettes® can be used between pumping sessions to help support the repair of nipple fissures.
How do you clean Silverette® Nursing Cups?
You already have a lot on your plate with a newborn; you don't want to have to worry about another thing you have to clean! Thankfully, Silverettes are easy to keep clean.
Silver is a natural antimicrobial, antifungal, and antibacterial metal that also contains anti-inflammatory agents. As a result, a quick rinse with warm water between feeds is sufficient to clean the cups.
The cups can tarnish over time due to the natural oxidisation process that occurs in silver, however it is still safe and effective to use. To remove the tarnish, make a paste using a mix of bicarbonate of soda (one teaspoon) with a few drops of water. Rub the paste over the cups, rinse and pat dry.
Although not required, the cups can be cleaned using mild base soap (recommended handwash soap).
Do not use any harsh detergents, bleach-based agents, sterilising tablets or hard scourers to clean the cups.
How do you choose the right size of Silverettes®?
Silverettes® come in two sizes - regular and XL. XL is generally 'one-size-fits-most'.
Regardless of size, they will work as intended. The only difference is the comfort factor. It is only the diameter of the cup that varies. The height is the same (the space between the nipple and the cup).
If you are looking at the sizing chart and are right on the cusp, go XL. Keep in mind that your breasts will grow throughout pregnancy and even more so when your milk comes in, so go for the size you think you will be post-birth/when you start breastfeeding. This is the period when you'll be wearing the cups the most.
If you are buying them as a gift and are not sure what size to get, go XL. XL will cater for all breast and areola sizes.
We have both sizes available in our online store (pending stock levels). Check them out here.
Recommendations:
If you have any concerns or if pain persists, please seek help from a medical practitioner or lactation consultant to identify any underlying causes of nipple pain.
