It is estimated that approximately 60% of mothers breast-feed their children. While breast-feeding offers many benefits, many women experience
some problems or side effects during breast-feeding, including breast swelling, sore
nipples, plugged milk ducts, or even infection. BustBuddies is a new product designed to
help alleviate pain and discomfort associated with breast-feeding conditions as well as
the after-effects of breast surgery. A uniquely designed, reusable thermal gel pack,
BustBuddies can be heated or cooled and used on the breast alone or inserted into the bra.
Image Courtesy Maternal Care |
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The American Academy of Pediatricians and the National Association of Pedriatic
Nurses Associates and Practitioners recommend breast-feeding as much as possible during
the baby’s first year. Not only is breast-feeding a unique bonding experience between
mother and child, but studies have shown that breast-feeding may help protect against
infant ear infections, allergies, diarrhea, eczema, bacterial meningitis, and other
serious illnesses. Research has also shown that breast-feeding reduces infant anemia (iron
deficiency in the blood) and stomach or intestinal infections.
Despite its benefits, many women experience some
problems during breast-feeding. Side effects or complications of breast-feeding may
include:
- Sore nipples
- Breast swelling (engorgement)
- Fatigue
- Poor let-down reflex (milk-ejection reflex): a sometimes stinging or painful sensation
while the milk is being expelled
- Blocked milk ducts
- Mastitis (breast infection)
Maternal Care, the distributor of BustBuddies (patent pending), is owned and operated
by three women, Whitney Noonan, Kris Mayer and Michele Norwood, based in Atlanta, Georgia.
The three women came up with BustBuddies after alleviating engorgement and swelling during
their breast-feeding experiences with bags of frozen peas. According to the women,
BustBuddies treats both common and uncommon breast-feeding problems and offers benefits
such as:
- Reducing swelling around the breast area and effectively treat engorgement
- Aiding recovery from infection (mastitis)
- Stimulating milk "let down"
- Dilating plugged milk ducts which could lead to infection if not treated
- Treating and comforting weaning breasts
BustBuddies is made from a non-toxic thermal gel and features a soft, medical
fabric-covered side. Women simply heat or cool the gel pack and place on the breast to
relieve discomfort associated with breast-feeding. BustBuddies can also be used as an
anti-inflammatory aid after breast surgery. Instructions on how to use BustBuddies,
according to specific condition, are available on the Maternal Care website (see link
below). BustBuddies sells for $18.99 plus shipping and handling charges.
Additional Resources and References
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