Frequently
Asked Questions
Why should I use MOTHERMATES
Gel Disc?
The MOTHERMATES dressing
is an absorbent, transparent hydrogel dressing that provides cool, soothing
relief to the individual who uses it. For
nipple care, the MOTHERMATES
dressing works great due to its unique formulation. This formulation allows
the MOTHERMATES dressing to not only absorb excess fluid leakage, but also
to manage that leakage and allow it to evaporate, reducing the chance for
macerating healthy breast tissue.
(Maceration is simply a
breakdown of healthy tissue – when the skin looks
white and wrinkled, similar
to the appearance of skin after a long bath or
swim in the pool.) The MOTHERMATES
dressing will help provide extra
cushioning and protection
from clothing friction. And most importantly, its unique disc shape
allows the dressing to fit comfortably and securely inside
of a nursing bra.
What is the MOTHERMATES
dressing made of?
The MOTHERMATES dressing
is made up of three primary components:
water, moisturizer, and
polyurethane. The water helps provide the cool,
soothing sensation when
first applied. The moisturizer helps to keep your
skin soft and smooth. It
also helps prevent the dressing from drying out. The
polyurethane binds the dressing
together, giving it high strength and integrity
(even after absorption).
What size dressing should
I use?
Most mothers find that the
3” disc is the best size to use for this application. It naturally “cups”
like a contact lens to contour nicely over the nipple area. It should be
placed directly on the nipple area. The nursing bra will hold it securely
in place without the additional need of adhesives, etc.
Since the MOTHERMATES
dressing is so absorptive, should I still use a nursing pad?
Yes. When you have leakage,
it usually comes out very quickly (all at once),
rather than slowly. And,
even though the MOTHERMATES dressing is highly
absorptive, it is a “slow
absorber.” The dressing will help aid in absorbing the
leakage, however, the majority
of fluid will be handled by the nursing pad.
How long should I use
each MOTHERMATES dressing?
Each MOTHERMATES dressing
can be used for up to 3-7 days. However, due to residual leakage, it may
need to be changed more often. We
recommend that you rinse
(not soak) the dressing with warm water after each use to help get rid
of any residual left behind. If, after a couple of days, the dressing becomes
milky or cloudy, then it is time to change the dressing.
Can I use soap to clean
the dressing?
No. Soaps or detergents
should NOT be used since they may compromise
the integrity of the dressing.
Plain warm water should be used instead.
Should I express milk
(massage milk on nipple area) before using the
MOTHERMATES dressing?
No. There is no need to
apply milk or anything else to your nipples when
using the MOTHERMATES dressing.
You should, however, cleanse the area with warm water prior to dressing
use.
Will the MOTHERMATES dressing
promote yeast infections?
No. Specific testing has
been performed against the most common types of
bacteria such as Pseudomonas
aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus,
Aspergillus niger, Bacillus
subtilis, and Candida albicons (yeast). The MOTHERMATES dressing will not
support the growth of these common
types of bacteria.
If I develop a yeast infection
prior to the use of the MOTHERMATES dressing can I still use the dressing?
Yes. When a new mother contracts
a yeast infection, they are typically given either topical or oral
antifungals to help fight the infection. These antifungals can be used
in conjunction with the MOTHERMATES dressing. We do recommend, however,
that you thoroughly rinse the dressing with warm water after each use to
remove residual leakage and/or excess medication from the dressing surface.
In addition, each dressing should be changed on a daily basis until the
infection subsides. If the dressing happens to become cloudy or milky
in appearance, the dressing should be discarded and replaced with a new
one.
See
also: Lansinoh
Cream for Breastfeeding Mothers
