Breast-feeding pads

You have certainly heard of our wool and silk breast-feeding pads. If not, then we would like to tell you something about them. One side of our 2-layer breast-feeding pads is made of 100% natural, chemically untreated pure wool, which has been specially washed. The other side is made of 100% natural, pure bourette-silk produced by the mulberry silkworm. The manufacture of bourette-silk allows the silkworm moth to leave the cocoon before processing; this means that the silkworm is not killed in the production of this silk.

Pure wool and bourette-silk are both extremely absorbent fibres, when they have not been treated by chemicals or dyeing.

Wool is a twisted fibre, which means that only about 10% of the fibre touches the skin and through the capillary-system (small holes through which the moisture is soaked up) moisture is drawn away from the body. Therefore you always have a dry skin, until the whole pad is soaked (Pure Wool can absorb moisture up to 40% of it's own weight). Silk also acts similarly although is not quite as absorbent. Added to this, both contain properties which soothe and heal inflamed skin as well as open wounds. For example, when infants change from milk to solid feeding and their bottoms become inflamed. Or when the mothers breasts are softened or inflamed.

These breast-feeding-pads are thus essential after every pregnancy. They can be easily washed (hand wash, do not allow milk to dry, do not use lanolin detergent), environment friendly, very friendly to the skin, can be used repeatedly and easily disposed of (can be biological composted).

Washing Instructions:

• Soak in Luke-warm water with a small amount of wool detergent
• Press out lightly, without rubbing or wringing
• Rinse well, press out on a towel
• Stretch into shape, dry flat
• Do not use soap containing olive oil or lanolin
• Vinegar added to the rinsing water prevents matting

Wool and silk breast-feeding pads cannot be sterilised by boiling; despite this are they hygienically beyond doubt?
This question is often asked by young mothers who wish to try breast-feeding pads.

Wool and silk are animal protein fibres. These fibres have the capacity of absorbing moisture from their surface. The surface remains dry and any germs are drawn into the inside of the fibre where they have no chance of survival. Along with many other beneficial properties of animal fibres, this led me to explain the anti-bacteria and anti-fungus properties of wool and silk.

Nature has designed wool to protect the animal from cold. Animal pelts and fleeces are naturally resistant to germs, which could cause sickness in the animal.

Protein fibres therefore do not need to be boiled (to kill germs), to remain hygienically beyond doubt. None of the literature that I have studied mentions the transfer of germs through wool.

In contrast, vegetable fibres contain carbohydrate. e.g. Cotton. When exposed to moisture they swell up and the damp surface forms a breeding ground for germs. If you roll up a wet cotton or linen cloth; you will find, after a short time, the presence of mildew and the cloth develops the typical musty smell caused by the mildew.

In the meantime, through contact with groups of nursing mothers and midwives, I have collected considerable experience. The contact of wool or silk with inflamed or sore nipples leads to their healing. Porous to air, warming and pressure reduction are further properties which add to the healing properties.

The ability of wool to keep skin dry can also be used for other purposes. After the surgical cutting of the perineum during childbirth, the wounded skin around the incision remains sore; the application of un-spun wool reduces pressure and absorbs moisture from the wound. Healing and pain reduction is experienced.

The same is true for infants bottoms; here the use of wool is particularly helpful by fungus infections. Wool and silk display healing properties particularly where the absorption of moisture from the skin is necessary.

Selana -Wool and silk breast feeding pads
Ordinary breast feeding pads are made of cotton, in some cases with a plastic covering. These have the following disadvantages.

With use, cotton becomes wet and then feels hard and rough. The sensitive skin of the nipple is softened and the material inflames and wounds the skin.

Cotton is a carbohydrate fibre and in a damp state an excellent breeding ground for germs of all types ( Fungi, Bacteria, Viruses). Although sterile when purchased, germs from the skin are transferred to the cotton garments. Skin wounds are further Inflamed. Chapped skin results. Breast-feeding becomes very painful and frequently mothers stop breast-feeding. Cotton pads need to be disposed of after one use. They are thus expensive and environmentally questionable.

The advantages of natural wool and silk are listed below:

• Wool and silk are animal protein; all types of germs cannot feed and are therefore unable to multiply. As a result boiling of the fabric is unnecessary to ensure hygienic cleanliness.
• Virgin Wool is an excellent temperature equaliser. The sensitive tautened breast is given warmth, which is found by all nursing mothers to bring relief. By high climatic temperatures wool has a cooling effect. (The Sahara Bedouins wear several layers of wool clothing.)
• Wool absorbs moisture up to 40% of its own weight and still feels dry (Cotton 6%). Moisture passes 7 times more rapidly through wool as through cotton. The skin around the nipple remains dry, thus reducing damage to the skin.
• The twisted properties of wool fibre results in a relatively large amount of air within the fabric, which cannot fill with moisture. As a result the pressure of the outer garments on the skin is reduced and air can circulate. The skin can breathe, is lightly massaged, strengthened and the circulation improved.
• The natural lanolin of wool is released through moisture. It contains vitamins and rejuvenates the skin, at the same time reducing bacterial infection and inflammation. Damaged skin can recover and chaps and abscesses are healed.
• Silk is smoother than wool. It is fine, soft and light, the feel of silk against skin is uniquely pleasant.
• Silk does not irritate the skin and is most suitable for people who are allergic to wool. Silk warms in winter and cools in summer. This makes it ideal for hot weather.
• Perspiration is neutralised by silk. It is able to absorb moisture up to 30% of its own weight without feeling damp.
• The combination of silk and wool is particularly absorbent (3 layers with wool in the middle).
• When wool or silk breast-feeding pads are used, the application of creams and ointments is not required.
• Knitted breast feeding pads are re-usable after gentle washing with a wool detergent. This makes them very economical.