Simplified Breast Care

Abstract

ONE of the time-consuming procedures in the care of the patient after delivery has been that of caring for the breasts and nipples. In private hospitals many physicians do not know what method of routine postpartum breast care is used unless the patient develops complications. The majority of physicians have allowed the nursing staff to determine the methods to be used so that this has largely developed into a nursing problem. The use of a sterile tray containing soap solution, water, boric acid solution, cotton balls or appliactors, and towels for the care of breasts and nipples at bath time; the application of an ointment to nipples and cleansing with water or boric acid solution before and after nursing-. these have been standard procedures over the country for years (1,5,6). Time studies carried on at Woman's Clinic of Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, Maryland (10) and Sloane Hospital for Women, New York City (2) showed that, at the time the studies were made, a total of thirty minutes was being spent in giving breast care to each patient daily. During recent years attempts have been made to simplify nursing procedures in the care of the post partum patient and at the same time maintain a high standard of care. We have found that a new plastic nipple shield fills the need for a safe, simple, easily standardized method of nipple care.1 These shields prevent rubbing and irritation from clothing, and eliminate the use of ointments, gauze, and towels. The slight suction created when they are applied keeps them in place under the breast support and helps to shorten the latent period in nursing. They protect flat or inverted nipples