How do I use Soothies by Lansinoh Gel Pads?
The
nipple area should be clean and free from breastmilk. Wipe nipple area
with warm water and pat dry. Remove the plastic cover from the Soothies
gel pad and place the gel side of the pad directly over the nipple so
the cotton backing faces away from the body. No extra tape is needed, as
the gel will be slightly tacky. Your bra will also hold Soothies in
place.
I thought Lansinoh did not make a gel pad-what changed?
Lansinoh purchased the Soothies Gel Pads from the company Puronyx in
January 2009. Soothies Gel Pads are a great addition to the Lansinoh
product line as it provides cooling relief for sore or damaged nipples
due to breastfeeding. There are some key differences between Lanolin HPA
and Soothies Gel Pads in the form of treatment and soothing for sore
nipples.
Has anything changed about the Soothies Gel Pads since Lansinoh acquired them?
No, the Soothies Gel Pads that Lansinoh has in its product line are
exactly the same product though now they are sold by Lansinoh.
What are the similarities and differences between Lansinoh HPA Lanolin and Soothies?
With Lansinoh HPA Lanolin and Soothies Gel Pads, Lansinoh offers moms a choice of form for treating and soothing sore nipples.
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Soothies by Lansinoh Gel Pads
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Do I need to wash my breasts after Soothies Gel Pads are removed to breastfeeding?
Gently wipe or cleanse your breasts prior to breastfeeding to remove any gel residue.
What should be used to wipe the breast?
A soft clean wash cloth or towel can be used to wipe the breast after using Soothies Gel Pads.
Can I use Lansinoh HPA Lanolin and Soothies together?
Both of these products promote moist wound healing so there is no
need to use them together. If, however, you have used Lansinoh HPA
Lanolin on your breasts throughout the day and choose to use Soothies at
night (or vice versa), threre is no need for concern about there being
Lansinoh HPA Lanolin on your breast when you apply Soothies Gel Pads.
How often do you change Soothies by Lansinoh Gel Pads?
It
depends on the amount of leakage that a mother is experiencing.
Soothies absorbs fluid-about two times its own weight. Soothies are
usable until they become saturated with fluid or become very thick and
spongy. Typically, the pad is used 1-3 days.
What does it mean when the pad gets thick and spongy?
When the pad gets thick and spongy, the pad is getting 'full'. As the
pad gets full, the concentration level of glycerin begins to dilute. It
is important to know that Soothies will continue to be effective even
after the pad has absorbed materials to over 2 to 3 times its size. The
challenge at that point is the additional weight and managing the flow
of milk.
How do I care for Soothies?
Check the gel side for any lint or other particles. If needed, wipe
the gel side surface with a clean cloth moistened with water until the
surface is smooth and shiny. Do not rinse Soothies.
My Soothies look cloudy/milky, should I use a new pair?
No, a cloudy appearance is normal and does not decrease the benefits of Soothies.
The "cloudy or milky" appearance is often due to the absorption of
breastmilk. Soothies have a high moisture vapor transmission, allowing a
majority of the lactation-related fluids to evaporate. The milky
appearance sometimes seen in a Soothies Gel Pad is often due to the
larger white milk molecules left behind in the pad.
May Soothies be stored in the refrigerator?
Yes.
Keep them in a sealed bag so they will not absorb moisture from the
air. They may also be kept in the freezer for additional cooling relief.
Where do I keep Soothies before breastfeeding, bathing, or using a breast pump?
Gently
remove Soothies from the nipple and place on a clean surface, gel side
up. Remember to always wash your hands well with soap and water before
breastfeeding.
May Soothies be cut to size?
Yes. To achieve the best results, leave the clear plastic cover on Soothies while cutting with scissors.
What's in Soothies?
Soothies
are composed of vegetable-based glycerin, water, and polyacrylamide (a
non-toxic absorbent binding agent) all of which are nontoxic to mother
and baby. Soothies is specifically formulated with 17½% water and 65% glycerin.
High (vegetable-based) glycerin and low water content help create a soothing environment in the following ways:
-
Provides moisturizer to keep the skin soft and supple
-
Pulls excess fluids way to prevent maceration from occurring
-
Provides an immediate cooling sensation
What is the significance of using water?
Water provides a cooling sensation.
What is the significance of using glycerin?
A high concentration of the natural ingredient glycerin will prevent the pad from drying out even if it is left open to the air.
What is Polyacrylamide?
Polyacrylamide is an absorbent non toxic binding agent that gives the pad shape by:
-
Connecting all of the components so they are consistent throughout the pad.
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Preventing the components from oozing, separating or decomposing
-
Preventing the gel pad from breaking apart
I am a vegetarian-can I safely use Soothies because of the glycerin?
Yes, the ingredient glycerin is vegetable-based.
Do I need a prescription for Soothies?
No. Soothies do not require a prescription and are available through retail outlets, hospitals, and clinics.
How do Soothies work?
Soothies formula helps create a natural soothing environment by:
-
providing moisturizer to keep the skin soft and supple
-
pulling excess fluids away from the nipple and breast surface to prevent maceration from occurring
-
providing an immediate cooling sensation
Why is absorbency important?
Absorbency is important for preventing skin maceration-a term that describes skin
changes when moisture is trapped against the skin for a prolonged
period. The skin will turn white or gray, softens and wrinkles (like
when a bandage is wet and skin underneath wrinkles and turns white).
Macerated skin is more permeable and prone to damage from friction and
irritants.
Do you need a lot of water to keep Soothies from drying out?
No. Unlike other hydrogel pads, Soothies will never dry out.
Are Soothies for engorgement?
No, Soothies were designed to create a healing environment, soothe nipple pain, and enhance your breastfeeding experience.
Soothies has a cloth backing-why?
-
Allows the gel to stay positioned over the injured nipple tissue
-
Provides a smooth barrier from clothing friction and the resulting irritation
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Does not promote the transmission of bacteria or fungus to the nipple
-
Provides for easy application and prevents error in placement of pad against the skin
-
Keeps moisture and fluids away from the nipple.
How do I take care of my Soothies?
Prior to each application observe the gel side for any milk build up
or other particles. If noticed, clean the gel side of the pad by wiping
the gel surface with a clean moist cloth until the surface in smooth and
shiny. The pad does not need to be rinsed.
Can I cut Soothies to fit my breast better?
Yes, you can cut Soothies and be assured that cutting will not alter the pad in any way.
Will cutting the Soothies Gel Pads prolong their life?
Soothies were designed specific for the lactating mom and her nipple
area. The smaller the pad, the less it will absorb due to the size.
However, cutting the gel pads will not negatively alter the
characteristics of the pad if it is cut.
What is the difference between hydrogels and Soothies?
Soothies primary component is glycerin, an all natural ingredient
that moisturizes skin and absorbs liquid and moisture. Its secondary
ingredients are water and polyacrylamide, a non-toxic binding agent that
holds the components of the pad together and also draw moisture away
from the breast.
Hydrogels' primary ingredient is water. Typical hydrogels on
the market contain 45-96% water. The secondary ingredients in hydrogels
are man-made chemicals that can provide absorption and moisturizing
qualities.
How do I use Soothies?
It depends on the amount of leakage the mom is experiencing. The pads
should be changed when they are saturated. Typically, the pad will last
1-3 days.
Can I store Soothies in the refrigerator or freezer?
Keep them in a sealed bag so that they will not absorb moisture from
the air. They may also be kept in the freezer for additional cooling
relief.
Can Soothies be heated?
No, we do not recommend heating Soothies Gel Pads.
My Soothies Gel Pad has crusty parts-should I throw it away?
If the Gel Pad becomes dirty or has crusty areas, it can be cleaned
with a clean damp, not wet, cloth, as needed. This may lengthen the
amount of time that the Gel Pad can be used.
Will Soothies ever dry out? Do I need to add water to keep them hydrated?
Soothies will not dry out due to the high glycerin levels. Therefore,
if pain or soreness reoccurs at some later point during breastfeeding,
any remaining Soothies can be used without concern. And, no,
re-hydration by adding water is not required.
Why can I only use Soothies three weeks total?
The recommended usage of any hydrogel or gel pads as a therapy
should not to exceed 3 weeks total because if you are experiencing
soreness or pain, you should seek the advice of a lactation consultant,
breastfeeding educator, or healthcare provider.
CAUTION: Total usage of Soothies by Lansinoh Gel Pads
(multiple pads) should not exceed three weeks. If nipple pain continues
beyond one week or the nipple is cracked, bleeding, scabbed, blistered,
or excessively painful, seek the advice of an International Board
Certified Lactation Consultant or health care provider. Keep out of
reach of children.
