Everything You Always Wanted To Know About Breastfeeding, But Didn't Know Who To Ask

Breast Milk Leakage is a Real Problem
Now There's a Real Solution


    Many expectant mothers are aware of the wonderful opportunity they have to enhance the physical and emotional bond with their babies by breastfeeding as soon as possible after childbirth. It is also recommended that a baby be breastfed for the first year of life. Despite these advantages to nursing, a return to the workplace or an otherwise busy life may bring about challenges that make it difficult to continue breastfeeding. Those mothers who cannot or choose not to nurse may also experience these challenges soon after childbirth. 
    Breast Milk Leakage (BML) is a challenge that most new mothers encounter, resulting in inconvenience, embarrassment and discomfort. Whether or not a new mother initiates breastfeeding, her body will begin producing breast milk soon after her baby is born. BML is the uncontrollable release of breast milk from the nipple in response to a reflex in lactating women known as "letdown", or Milk Ejection Reflex (MER). Healthcare providers often tell breastfeeding mothers to expect BML for 2-3 weeks postpartum. To the contrary, studies indicate that over 90% struggle with BML at 2 months postpartum, and 66% of nursing women continue to experience BML at 6 months postpartum. 
    Breastfeeding mothers often use nursing pads to absorb leakage. Without frequent changes, these pads can leak through resulting in wet clothing, discomfort and a higher susceptibility to sore nipples and breast infections. Other solutions that are recommended to temporarily control BML include the use of patterned clothing to hide leakage and breast shells to collect milk. More often that not, these methods are ineffective in controlling BML and can even contribute to further complications.  Unfortunately, the lack of a safe and effective solution to BML has caused many new mothers to wean prematurely.
    Non-breastfeeding and weaning mothers also experience BML. In the past these mothers were given lactation suppressing medications that are no longer available. Binding with elastic bandages is the method often used in absence of these medications, to assist in the process of "drying up". However, most women consider it extremely uncomfortable, inconvenient, and often harmful. 
    As a result, new mothers are now turning to a recently introduced breakthrough product called blis (the Breast Leakage Inhibitor System). blis, a patented, FDA certified product is a soft, flexible disc that safely and effectively controls BML by using the natural method of gentle, even pressure on the nipple which stops leakage and prevents wetness on the skin and clothing. blis is also a safe and effective alternative to binding, and can be worn day and night to control BML and provide comfort during periods of engorgement, while a mother's milk supply decreases naturally. 
    New motherhood and the pressures of modern life bring about many concerns for today's women. Fortunately, blis provides a proactive solution to one of these concerns by safely and effectively controlling BML and eliminating leakage worries, allowing new mothers the confidence to pursue an active postpartum lifestyle. To find out more about BML call 888-410-2547 or visit www.blis.com
Editor's note: The information above was contributed by Erika Davis, ProLac Inc.

 blis – the Breast Leakage Inhibitor System

  ·         Breastfeeding and non-breastfeeding mothers need a reliable and effective method to control BML.   Fortunately, BML no longer needs to be a problem. 

73% of new mothers return to the workplace by the time their baby is 3 months old.

−La Leche League International, Working and Breastfeeding Survey, March 1999

 “Leaking of breast milk is one of the greatest fears of mothers who are returning to work and for whom breastfeeding is considered established.”

−Morse J.M., RN, PhD, and Bottorff J.L., RN, MN, MEd: Leaking: A Problem of Lactation; Journal of Nurse Midwifery, January/February 1989 

 ·         blis, the Breast Leakage Inhibitor System, is an FDA certified, clinically tested, safe and effective method to control BML.      

Instead of collecting leakage, blis is a soft plastic shield that safely and effectively controls leakage by applying gentle, even pressure on the nipple, thereby preventing wetness.  blis keeps the nipple area dry, which mothers find reduces incidences of sore nipples and may prevent bacterial growth and the development of infection.  In a clinical study comparing the effectiveness of blis versus traditional nursing pads, blis was proven safe and effective for both breastfeeding and non-breastfeeding mothers.

−Wallace B.C., RNC, EdD, Zelen M., PhD, and Zani Pachebo C.L., BA, MSN: Milk Leakage in Breastfeeding Women: A Clinical Trial Evaluating a Polyvinyl Chloride Device Versus Disposable Breast Pads; Journal of Human Lactation, 1997

−Wallace B.C., RNC, EdD, Zelen M., PhD, and Zani Pachebo C.L., BA, MSN: Milk Leakage in Nonlactating Women: A Randomized Clinical Trial Evaluating a Polyvinyl Chloride Device Versus Disposable Breast Pads; Journal of Women’s Health, 1998

 ·         In a clinical study conducted for the breastfeeding application of blis, women who experienced significant Breast Milk Leakage (BML) preferred blis over pads by a two-to-one margin. 

 In addition, the study demonstrated that there were no more incidences of plugged ducts, mastitis or other complications with the use of blis as compared with the use of nursing pads.

−Wallace B.C., RNC, EdD, Zelen M., PhD, and Zani Pachebo C.L., BA, MSN: Milk Leakage in Breastfeeding Women: A Clinical Trial Evaluating a Polyvinyl Chloride Device Versus Disposable Breast Pads; Journal of Human Lactation, 1997

blis

 ·         The non-breastfeeding pilot study and clinical research demonstrated that blis is the answer for non-breastfeeding mothers as well.

 These studies concluded that women prefer blis over traditional methods such as binding and medication to control BML while their milk supply decreases naturally.  Anecdotal evidence from the pilot study showed that in many cases, blis helped make women more comfortable during periods of engorgement.

−Wallace B.C., RNC, EdD, Zelen M., PhD, and Zani Pachebo C.L., BA, MSN: Milk Leakage in Nonlactating Women: A Randomized Clinical Trial Evaluating a Polyvinyl Chloride Device Versus Disposable Breast Pads; Journal of Women’s Health, 1998

−Myron Luthringer, MD, and Erin Carroll, NP, CNM: Pilot Study for the Safety and Efficacy of the LactaPrev System (LPS); December 1995

 ·         blis offers a cost-effective, proactive solution that is safe and  effective for breastfeeding and non-breastfeeding mothers alike. 

 A cost comparison over six months shows that blis offers a 50% savings over nursing pads after three months of use.

−Prolac Inc.: Cost Comparison of blis and Disposable Nursing Pads Over Six Months; May 2000

 

 

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The assistance that you receive either on Medela's website via our website is not meant as a substitute for professional guidance from your local health care professional. Please seek help from your local health care professional or IBCLC (1 800 TELL YOU or email to ILCA@erols.com for a local referral to an IBCLC in your area) if you are experiencing problems with breastfeeding or if you have continuing concerns.

Information given can not be construed as medical advice. Please check with your health care provider when making decisions concerning lactation that may impact the health and well-being of you and/or your breastfeeding child. If you are concerned about your breastfeeding situation, or about your health or the health of your child, please call your health care provider immediately. Additionally, please be aware that our lactation consultant tailors her response to a specific situation, taking into account the information shared . Our response may not be appropriate for other mothers, since each mother and baby couple is unique.