BustBuddies Ensure Happier and Healthier Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding is one of the first bonding experiences between mother and child. Don't chance this precious time to pain and discomfort. New, all-in-one, soft thermal gel treatment packs specifically designed for nursing mothers, BustBuddies ensure a healthier, longer and happier breastfeeding experience by decreasing the pain and discomfort associated with common and uncomfortable breastfeeding conditions.

Created by Maternal Care, Inc., patented BustBuddies are the latest medical advancement for the safe and effective treatment of conditions and complications associated with breastfeeding as well as for aiding breast surgery patients in their recovery. The BustBuddies breast treatment pack aids in the reduction of swelling and soreness associated with engorgement, encourages milk flow, dilates plugged ducts, treats infections, assists with milk letdown and comforts weaning breasts. For all of these common conditions, applying warm or cool temperatures to the breast for specified amounts of time has been proven to deliver effective treatment and is recommended by most medical professionals and lactation experts. With BustBuddies, moms can now benefit from immediate and convenient warm/cool treatment through a uniquely designed, conforming thermal breast gel pack.

Easily warmed or cooled and reusable hundreds of times, BustBuddies are uniquely designed to be the most effective and highest quality thermal treatment available. The packs provide generous coverage, a non-toxic thermal gel, and a soft, medical fabric-covered side for maximum comfort. BustBuddies’ include hypoallergenic plastic and covers. BustBuddies can be used alone or can be placed easily into any size bra.

Engorgement

Description
Engorgement takes place when a woman's milk "comes in" after birth. An often uncomfortable and painful feeling of fullness, which may be accompanied by a feeling of heaviness, tenderness, and warmth, is caused by swelling of the breast tissue as blood, lymphatic fluid, and milk collect in the ducts as the process of milk production begins. When the breast fullness is not relieved, fluid builds up and more swelling occurs. The breasts become extremely tender and painful, and patients may run a low-grade fever and become achy.

Treatment
To treat engorgement, cool BustBuddies (by placing them in the refrigerator or freezer for 20-30 minutes) and place on the breast 20 minutes after feedings to reduce swelling, warmth and pain associated with engorgement. BustBuddies should be applied for 15-20 minutes off and on for 1-2 hours.

The use of heat immediately before nursing is recommended to assist with the milk let-down and further relieve engorgement. Used warm (by placing in the microwave for up to 20 seconds or heating in hot or boiling water for 2-3 minutes), BustBuddies assist with milk let down immediately prior to feedings and further treat engorgement. Severe engorgement that is not treated promptly may take up to a week to resolve, and there is a greater risk of developing an infection.

Mastitis

Description
Mastitis, or breast infection, means that the breast is inflamed. This inflammation affects the tissue surrounding women's milk ducts causing swelling, redness, tenderness and pain. Fever and body aches may also be associated with mastitis. BustBuddies can be used for effective treatment of mastitis. A breast infection not treated early enough can require anti-biotics and can become a more serious breast abscess that requires surgical draining.

Treatment
Apply BustBuddies warm and gently massage swollen area. Alternate using BustBuddies warm and cool on breasts. Used cold, BustBuddies relieve pain. Used warm, BustBuddies increase the circulation, which mobilizes infection-fighters in the inflamed area. We also recommend that women do not stop breastfeeding during this time as stopping the flow of milk can slow recovery and worsen the condition. The best way to prevent mastitis is to relieve engorgement promptly as milk that doesn't flow gets thicker and clogs the ducts. Treating mastitis is much like treating engorgement only more urgent. BustBuddies can help in preventing this condition if used as directed during times of engorgement.

Mothers who are given antibiotics too late in the course of mastitis are more likely to wean their babies from the breast, to have a more severe infection, and to have the infection recur.

Plugged Ducts

Description
Plugged ducts occur when one or more of a woman’s milk ducts become blocked. When this occurs, nursing women may feel a painful lump in their breast beneath the areola. There may also be a wedge-shaped area of redness extending from the lump back towards the wall of the chest. When one or more ducts become plugged, milk is not able to flow out of the area behind the blockage causing that area of the breast to stay full, even after the baby has finished feeding. Keeping breast milk flowing freely helps to relieve a plugged duct. If left untreated, a plugged duct may become infected, resulting in mastitis, infection, or a breast abscess.

Treatment
Apply BustBuddies warm for 15 minutes before feeding or pumping to increase circulation and help unplug the breast duct.

Weaning

Description
As nursing women reduce the number of overall feedings, their breasts may become engorged and feel full and uncomfortable. Weaning too rapidly can lead to mastitis.

Treatment
Women should use BustBuddies cool (by placing them in the refrigerator or freezer for 20-30 minutes) and place them on their breasts 20 minutes after feedings to reduce swelling, warmth and pain associated with engorgement. BustBuddies should be applied for 15-20 minutes off and on for 1-2 hours.

The use of heat immediately before nursing is recommended to assist with the milk let-down and further relieve engorgement. Used warm (by placing in the microwave for up to 20 seconds or heating in hot or boiling water for 2-3 minutes), BustBuddies assist with milk let down immediately prior to feedings and further treat engorgement.

Directions for Using BustBuddies

Cool Treatment - To cool, place breast packs flat in refrigerator until they reach desired coolness (approximately 30-60 minutes). Before applying, gently massage the pack for maximum comfort. Apply to breast when desired temperature is reached. It is recommended to apply the compress for 15-20 minutes (or as directed by your doctor), and then off the affected area for 40-45 minutes (or as directed by your doctor). Return BustBuddies to the refrigerator or freezer and reapply as needed especially during the first 72 hours after surgery or as directed by your physician.

Warm Treatment - To warm, place breast pack in microwave for up to 20 seconds. Before applying, check temperature by carefully touching packs. Gently massage packs to distribute heat evenly. (Please use extreme caution when using a microwave as times and strengths may vary.) Apply the white fabric-covered side of the pack to the breast for maximum comfort. Packs may also be heated by immersing them in hot (not boiling) water for 5-10 minutes. Remove carefully and dry. Apply to breast for 15-20 minutes when desired temperature is reached. Leave BustBuddies off of the affected area for 40-45 minutes before reapplying.

Cleaning Instructions
BustBuddies are hand washable and can be cleaned with a mild soap and warm water. Dry before using. BustBuddies may also be cleaned by placing them in the top rack of the dishwasher and washed on a gentle cycle.

BustBuddies are a trademark of Maternal Care, Inc.

Material Safety Data Sheet
Click here to view the MSDS for Bustbuddies.