Medela TheraShells Breast Shells: Protect and Comfort Sore, Flat, or Inverted Nipples During Pumping or Breastfeeding

DGarcia: Below is a review of 4 options for catching milk and sore nipple protection to hopefully help another momma get the right product the first time rather than having to try and return a bunch of products while taking care of a new baby like I did.

haakaa Ladybug- small nipple hole (painful on the areola) silicone is more rigid, I’m assuming to be able to suction but it’s just not conducive for healing sore nipples, uncomfortable to sleep in. Noticeable under bra. If looking for gentle suction for letdown but something baby can’t kick off, the Elvie
Curve is amazing but unfortunately expensive.

Medela TheraShells- look absolutely ridiculous, only about 2in in diameter so on any size breast these are going to be noticeable and weird looking. The inverted/flat nipple back has the smallest nipple opening that I can’t imagine it would fit anyones nipples comfortably and would further cause damage to the sore Areola. The sore nipple back is comfortable but I just felt silly wearing them because of how they looked. These may catch leaks but not much and they have vent holes at the top so I imagine they will leak if wearing them to bed. No...

United States on Jul 04, 2022

Alejandra V.: Son Justo como se muestran, de excelente calidad. Pero la verdad no me sirvieron mucho para mis actividades. Y si se junta algo de leche , ésta termina derramándose toda por el movimiento

Mexico on Oct 25, 2021

k mac: I appreciate this product. I find it to be a huge reason why I was finally able to successfully breastfeed my baby. I alternate with another pair and they seem to have developed leaking where they clasp together after about 6/7 weeks. This is with daily use and pulling them apart to clean them multiple times a day. I have had a few episodes of leaking out the vent holes when I bend over, so be sure to not go too long without emptying them.

United States on Oct 10, 2021

Robert Grasser: I've been having a hard time exclusively pumping and it's tearing my nipples and areolas apart. I've been trying to find the correct flanges that will fit me correctly. After pumping, it is so painful to put on my bra or even have my shirt touching my nipples. These shells have helped me continue my pumping journey and I highly recommend them to anyone who has sore nipples from nursing or pumping. I do wear them with a bra that is a cup size bigger than what I am due to the shape of these shells and they work great. I have spent tons of money trying to find relief from my discomfort and these things are the only things that have given me some relief.

United States on Apr 11, 2020

DanDan: Material muy duro, no es nada discreto, es literal del tamaño del pezon, por lo tanto hace q se vea muy picudo, por lo q solo se puede usar con ropa muy holgada o muchas capaz de ropa, ademas llega a lastimar por el material duro y deja el pezon como en forma cónico por la presión, y siento q por la misma presión hace q salga leche! Si protege pero no es nada discreto, no se puede usar en la calle así q no cumple con su función!

Mexico on Jan 23, 2020

Jessika: These work perfectly fine for me. I saw a lot of comments about "buy the newer bigger ones" but I needed these quickly and couldn't find the new ones. They are a tad small but like I said they work perfectly well. These are NOT hidden well under any type of shirt, it is VERY obvious when you have them on. 4 out of 5 stars for not concealing very well

United States on Aug 25, 2018

AmandaQ: As far as providing relief to sore nipples and keeping flat nipples everted, I give it 5 stars. When it comes to the functionality though, I give it 3. I guess they do exactly what they are supposed to--prevent engorgement. But what you end up with is milk evrywhere, no matter which ring you are using. When you try to remove them, no matter how careful you are, milk spills out the vent holes and gets everywhere. I'm not knocking Medela overall, though. Love the company and their products overall. The Harmony hand pump is awesome!

United States on Aug 24, 2011