09/03/2026
Thanks for sharing Julie. Yes I advise mothers to limit use of their silver caps and to not especially go out and buy a pair as they are pretty pricy. Macerated ni***es are a concern with them and the pressure they cause to the delicate, and mostly superficial milk ducts, found in the 3cm from ni**le area in the ar**la, I found can cause sensitive ni***es and blocked milk ducts if overused.Some mothers love them.
It is important to find the cause of ni**le sensitivity and damaged ni***es. Get help from a Lactation Consultant if you are not able to achieve a comfortable lacth and effective sucking.
I'm here to help,
Pauleen Nelson IBCLC Lactation Consultant, Midwife
7 Ways Moms Are Using Silver Nursing Cups Wrong (and What To Do Instead)
1️⃣ Wearing them dry
Many place the cups over the ni**le with completely dry skin
Instead:
Express a few drops of breastmilk into the cup before placing it on the ni**le. Breastmilk plus the silver cup helps create the moist healing environment that supports skin recovery. Just be careful not to marinate the ni**le in too much milk
2️⃣ Using them with ni**le creams or ointments
Silver cups are often layered with lanolin, ni**le balms, or ointments. This renders them ineffective for healing. It’s the actual silver touching the skin that promotes wound healing
Instead:
Use the cups alone (other than a small amount of breast milk). The antimicrobial properties of silver and the moist environment from breastmilk do the work. Adding creams can trap residue and reduce effectiveness and can increase the likelihood of infection
3️⃣ Wearing them too tightly against the breast
If the bra presses the cups firmly into the breast tissue, it can create pressure on milk ducts.
Instead:
Make sure the cups sit lightly against the ni**le only, without compressing the surrounding breast tissue. Excess pressure on the breast can contribute to plugged ducts and mastitis in some people. I’ve also see painful red circles around the ar**la that can cause engorgement
4️⃣Using them instead of fixing the root problem
Silver cups can help protect the skin, but they don’t fix issues like shallow latch, oral restrictions, or pump fl**ge problems
Instead:
If pain or damage persists, get help from a qualified lactation professional to address the cause of the trauma
5️⃣Not cleaning them regularly
Some assume silver never needs cleaning.
Instead:
Rinse with warm water and occasionally wash with mild soap. Dry thoroughly before reuse. If they tarnish make a paste with baking soda to scrub them clean
6️⃣Wearing them 24/7 without any air time
Some parents keep silver cups on continuously day and night.
Instead:
Give ni***es some periodic air exposure, especially if the skin becomes overly moist or macerated. Wear them 4 hours in, 4 hours off and remove them at least 30-60 minutes before feeding
7️⃣Ignoring signs of a silver sensitivity or allergy
Although uncommon, some mothers can develop metal sensitivity that causes redness, itching, rash, burning, or worsening irritation.
Instead:
If symptoms begin or worsen after starting silver cups, stop using them and see if the irritation improves. Some may do better with alternatives like breast shells or hydrogel pads.
✨ Silver nursing cups can be helpful for protecting sore ni***es, but they work best when used correctly and they don’t replace addressing the underlying cause of ni**le pain.
