Medela Hydrogel Pads, Instant Pain Relief for Cracked or Sore Nipples from Breastfeeding and Pumping, Cooling Moisture Supports Natural Healing, Pack of 4

Love these! Worked so well and helped with pain and healing while breastfeeding. They stick well and you can rinse them off and reapply for multiple uses. No leakage and thickness and durability was perfect. I wish they were more affordable when you need a lot of them over the weeks of learning to breastfeed though!

These hydrogel pads have truly saved me during breastfeeding. I was struggling with painful, cracked nipples and these gave instant relief the moment I put them on. They’re cool, soothing, and help my skin heal so much faster while also protecting from friction between feeds. I honestly don’t know how I would have made it through those early weeks without them. I’ve bought them multiple times and always keep a pack on hand — absolute must-have for any breastfeeding mom!

I’m not one to ever take the time to do product reviews. But let me just say, these are a LIFESAVER. One of my nipples became super painful due to using the wrong flange size on my pump. I had to continue pumping after that, and it left me in tears. I couldn’t even let my bedsheet touch it. I looked into purchasing silverettes, but read the reviews on these and decided to give them a try first- as these were much cheaper. Within one day of use, my nipple was much happier. I can even pump without crying. (Granted, I have the pump at the lowest setting right now for comfort.) With the holidays coming up, I recommend getting any of your pregnant or postpartum ladies this as a stocking stuffer. They will thank you later!!

I recently tried these out when having my third child. Breastfeeding pain for me is excruciating. I’d almost rather just give birth again than go through the agony of breastfeeding. Bleeding, cracking, dreading every feeding. Lanolin gives minimal relief. I only succeeded with my first because I used a breast shield the first 5 months. This caused my child to have to do extremely long feedings (45-60 min each feeding) and I felt like I was as nursing 24-7. My supply was barely adequate. I tried exclusively pumping with my second, but sadly my supply dried up by 5 months with him. I felt like such a failure, so I was determined to make it work with this third child- even if I had to use a breast shield again. In the hospital, the familiar excruciating pain came again soon after having the baby. It got so bad, I tried the breastshield, but for whatever reason this time around, that made the pain even worse. My doctor and the nurses encouraged me to try this new product I had never heard of called hydrogels. They gave me samples. I was super skeptical. If lanolin doesn’t even give me the relief I need, how are these gel pads supposed to help?? But I tried them because they insisted. I was shocked at the difference. Although still very painful, my pain level dropped to more tolerable levels. I realized that these gel pads protect my nipples from rubbing against clothing and they keep the nipple moist and allow the nipple to heal more quickly. Between these and using an occasional ibuprofen, I was able to get through that first week. By week 2, I had only slight pain during the initial latch and I no longer needed ibuprofen. I was blown away. I was doing “real” breastfeeding with no breast shield or anything! My supply is better than it ever has been before. I’ve already been able to pump over 60 oz. of excess milk to store in the freezer by week 3! My baby is thriving. I said so many prayers before having this baby that I could succeed with breastfeeding and I truly think that my prayers were answered through being introduced to hydrogels. Another reviewer complained of them being too sticky and causing more harm than good. Initially, they can be kind of sticky. Rinsing then with water before applying helps. I haven’t had too much trouble with stickiness though. I’ve never had problems with them being hard to pull off. They come right off easily for me. The reason I put 4 stars instead of 5 though is because they are expensive!! They are supposed to be replaced every 24 hours and a pack of 2 costs almost $8! I feel taken advantage of in my needy situation. Another reviewer mentioned that any price is worth nipple pain relief and I agree- that’s why I’ve kept buying them, but I still feel ripped off. I’ve actually been able to stretch each pair to 2 to 3 days with no problems, which helps.

So much to say about these lifesavers. For context, it took a while for my milk to come in so my baby was trying to nurse with very little milk expression for the two weeks. Poor little guy was sucking so hard and getting so little. These gel pads helped me stay the course with breastfeeding when I almost gave up. I used Prolanan ointment at first which is great. However, it got to a certain point where I was blistering, sore, and peeling. Once I discovered these pads from my lactation consultant, I bought them in bulk and didn't look back. I basically wore them as pasties for the first 4 weeks with my newborn. A few things to note: -They are extremely sticky, once you get them to adhere correctly. I would wet them quickly, and then put them on with a tighter bra, shirt, or sports bra to hold them in place while they adhere. It takes your body heat for them to gel to your shape and stick well. -They also are super absorbent and helped limit breastmilk leaks. However, they are not able to hold your milk "let down" once the dam breaks with feeding on one side. -They are reusable! I would be able to get 24-36 hours of use out of mine if cared for properly. - They help heal your nipples quickly so you can continue to breastfeed regularly. I'm so grateful that I found these so early on in my postpartum journey, as they helped me have a more positive experience with breastfeeding by saving me a lot of pain and struggle to get in my groove!

These are a must have for nursing mom's! I've used these with several of my babies and they really help with soreness from nursing or pumping the first week postpartum especially. You can also put them in the fridge while pumping or nursing to get them nice and cool for use afterwards!

Definable worth it. But the price is on the higher end compared to others. Feels good.

When I got home from the hospital my breasts were very sensitive with pain, I was already using laninol but it wasn't enough, I left it for a while in the freezer and then put it on the nipples of the breast, and it was like a medicine. Relieves all friction and prepares the breast for the next feeding. It's really worth it!

Ideales para calmar el dolor y ardor de los pezones adoloridos por mal agarre.

乳頭の水ぶくれが破れてしまったので藁にもすがる思いで購入。傷治りかける→授乳で再び痛む→傷治りかけるのループを数日間繰り返していましたが、これを貼って１日でかなり傷が良くなり、2日目以降は使わなくても済む状態になりました。 推奨されていないかもしれませんが4分の1にカットして使い、問題なく使えました。

Not worth the price.

Absolute game changer!! These just arrived and I used them right away because my nipples were quite raw and holy crap the instant relief I feel is amazing. I wish more came in a box but I'll definitely be buying more.

Los amé! Proporcionan mucho alivio cuando tienes ardor, mejor que las compresas frias.