Frequently Asked Questions

An expiry date can be found crimped on the end of the tube. However it should be used within 12 months of opening the tube.

Lansinoh® HPA® Lanolin Nipple Cream does not need to be removed before breastfeeding and is 100% ultra pure. HPA® lanolin contains no added water, no chemicals and no perfume.  It is 100% pure hypoallergenic HPA® lanolin and has:

• Low odour and taste
• No preservatives
• No added antioxidants or other additives

Breastfeeding is a learnt skill. If you experience nipple soreness beyond a slight tenderness when your baby latches on you may need to make some adjustments so you can be comfortable and enjoy breastfeeding your baby. Uncomfortable attachment of the baby at the breast when feeding is often the cause of sore nipples – a temporary but painful condition.

Things should improve as you establish positioning and latch-on technique but in the meantime Lansinoh® HPA® Lanolin Nipple Cream can provide soothing relief to enable you to breastfeed comfortably. Lansinoh® HPA® Lanolin Nipple Cream works by penetrating deeply to restore and maintain the moisture content essential for healthy, supple skin.

Lansinoh® HPA® Lanolin Nipple Cream is intended for breastfeeding mums experiencing nipple soreness. It also helps soothe, relieve and protects sore, cracked nipples caused by breastfeeding.

The best thing to do is to treat the lanolin stain like a grease stain prior to washing. If the item has already been washed and dried, it will be more difficult to remove the stain. Since lanolin is an organic ester; the stain will eventually come out, but it may take a special effort.  First, spot treat the stain; it is recommended to use a grease-fighting dishwashing liquid, as this has shown to be quite effective for removing the stains. Next, soak the item, the longer the better, overnight if possible, in either hot water or some type of stain removing pre-treater.  Finally, wash the stain as normal and it should come out.   

The reason Lansinoh’s breast pads are so absorbent is that they contain a fine powder within the construction of the pad that is a super absorbent polymer (SAP).  When the milk lets down and begins to flow, the powder turns into a gel, which is the action that is keeping you dry.  If you noticed gel on your breast, it probably means that this leaked from the pad onto your skin either because the pad was torn or ripped prior to you using it or because the pad was too saturated with milk.  This could happen after a particularly big letdown or after wearing the pad for many hours. One option is changing your pad more frequently if you think that could be the cause.  Because our pads are so absorbent, it may not seem as though you are leaking a lot of milk but this is sometimes the case.

Or, it could be the case that the pad was torn or slightly ripped and the polymer gel could have got onto your skin. If you happen to come across this issue please contact us.

The effectiveness of the Lansinoh® Ultra Thin, Stay Dry Nursing Pads lies in the construction of the product and the materials used in the production process. Through an ingenious process using heat and air, paper pulp is converted to “fluffy pulp”, which is then combined with a super absorbent polymer in the form of a powder. This mixture is sandwiched between layers of paper tissue. A non-woven fabric is then placed over the tissue to provide a stay-dry lining. This lining draws breastmilk and moisture away from the skin and into the core of the pad where it is absorbed by the super absorbent polymer, which turns into a gel. The layers of tissue surrounding the polymer further ensure that the moisture is locked within the core of the paper pulp and polymer. This unique action keeps both the mother’s skin and her clothing dry.

The material that is used to absorb the milk is a Super Absorbent Polymer (SAP).  It is similar to what is in baby nappies, in that it starts as a powder and once the milk hits it, it turns into a gel.  The SAP is non-toxic, however, it of course is not meant for ingestion.  If you do think there is a possibility that your baby did in fact ingest some of the polymer, contact your doctor and/or your local Poison Control Centre.

While there are components in the pads that are recyclable, the intact pad is not recyclable. We are working towards using more recyclable materials.

The unique shape is to allow for full coverage for maximum discretion under clothing. Also, the wider area also allows for more absorption as the Super Absorbent Polymer is spread over the entire surface of the pad.

No, we currently have only one size and colour pad available.

Yes, many mothers find our pads very absorbent, especially at night. We recommend changing the pads during the night if they become saturated.

If you pad is bunching, we would recommend using the sticky tabs that are located on the back of the pad to keep it in place. You may wish to completely remove the pad before pulling your nursing bra flap down which can sometimes cause the pad to get bunched up.

The backing of the pad is tissue that has a thin layer of laminate in it. In order for the disposable pads to keep wetness in, this very thin layer of laminate must be used; otherwise, the leaking milk would get soaked in and soak out the back of the pad.

When you’re expressing your milk to use at a later date, it’s important to refrigerate or cool it immediately to ensure it has the longest shelf life possible. When stored correctly, expressed milk will last up to three days in the fridge at 5°C or lower, two weeks in the ice compartment of a fridge and up to six months in a freezer.

Yes you are able to pump directly into the Lansinoh® Breastmilk Storage Bags.

No, microwaving is never recommended for breastmilk as it destroys valuable nutrients and vitamins in the breastmilk. Additionally, it can create dangerous “hot spots” that could burn your baby when feeding.

When thawing your milk it is important to handle it as gently as possible to preserve all the valuable nutrients. If the bags have been stored flat they will take less time to thaw. Breastmilk frozen in our bags can be thawed in the refrigerator or at room temperature. You may also place the sealed bag in a bowl of warm tap water but never use extremely hot or boiling water.

No, Lansinoh® Breastmilk Storage Bags are designed for one-time use only.

Lansinoh® Hot & Cold Breast Therapy Packs is a non-toxic hot or cold reusable pack that can be used to relieve the plugged ducts and symptoms of engorgement or mastitis.  It can also be used with your breast pump whilst expressing to encourage let down and promote faster milk flow.

Please follow these instructions carefully as overheating may cause injury, including burns. Please refer to your microwave instructions for wattage. 1,250 watts = 11, seconds 1,000 watts = 13 seconds, 700 watts = 16 seconds. We would also recommend; each therapy pack should be heated separately. Heating beyond the suggested initial heating (maximum of 16 seconds) is not recommended by Lansinoh® , this may damage or destroy your Hot & Cold Breast Therapy Packs. Overheating or prolonged application may cause injury. Do not apply to sensitive skin or open wounds. Do not puncture pack and/or ingest contents. Do not fall asleep using pack. For extreme, prolonged or chronic pain, consult a healthcare professional.

Used hot before a feed, Lansinoh® Hot & Cold Breast Therapy Packs encourages let-down and stimulates the milk flow to help relieve the symptoms of mild engorgement and mastitis. It can also be used hot with a breast pump to reduce the time spent expressing. Simply heat the packs according to pack instructions and wrap them around the flanges of the breast pump.

Alternatively, you can put the packs in the freezer for a couple of hours to cool, then place them into the cover provided to help relieve pain and swelling caused by engorgement. The unique design means that the pack is pliable, even when it is frozen, allowing it to conform to the breast.

Fill a large pot with enough water to fully submerge the pack without touching the bottom of the pot. Bring water to a boil and remove pot from heating surface. Do not immerse pack while water is being heated. Use a blunt, nonmetallic tool to submerge it and then remove the pack from the water. Do not leave pack unattended while heating. Submerge pack for 1-2 minutes. If the pack has not reached the desired temperature, submerge again (in same water) for an additional 1-2 minutes. Do not allow the pack to come in contact with the pot or heat source for prolonged time, excessive contact may rupture the pack. Towel dry pack before applying. Always inspect the pack for signs of damage or leaking prior to use and discard if damage is found. Always test the pack temperature before application and allow to cool if needed.

Overheating or prolonged application may cause injury, including burns. Heating beyond the suggested time (see instructions on pack as the heating time is dependent on the strength of the microwave oven) may also damage or destroy your Lansinoh® Hot & Cold Breast Therapy Packs. It is normal for the Hot & Cold Breast Therapy Packs to expand a little when heated for the recommended time. If you accidentally heat your Lansinoh® Hot & Cold Breast Therapy Packs beyond the recommended time and see it inflating like a balloon, immediately turn off your microwave, wait for the pack to cool down, and then carefully dispose of your pack. When in doubt or if your pack shows any signs of deforming, dispose of your pack – a pack that has been overheated should never be reused. Lansinoh® Hot & Cold Breast Therapy Packs will explode if heated for an excessive amount of time.

Lansinoh® Hot & Cold Breast Therapy Packs is BPA and Phthalate-Free.

Lansinoh® Hot & Cold Breast Therapy Packs does not contain latex.

Lansinoh® Hot & Cold Breast Therapy Packs are reusable and your packs will last longer if you treat them well. Overheating beyond the suggested time ranging from 11 to 25 seconds (see directions on pack) may damage or destroy your packs.

In the early stages of breastfeeding, it is not uncommon to experience swelling when your milk first comes in, this is called engorgement. Lansinoh® Hot & Cold Breast Therapy Packs can be used as a cold therapy to help with symptoms of engorgement.

Mastitis is an inflammation of the breast that can be caused by obstruction, infection and/or allergy. Mastitis is most common in the first 2-3 weeks of breastfeeding post-birth, but can occur at any stage of breastfeeding or lactation. Mastitis may come on abruptly, and usually affects only one breast.

Common recommendations for mastitis are heat (with a warm/hot compress), massage, rest, and emptying the breast (by breastfeeding or pumping) and it sometimes requires medical treatment.

Lansinoh® Hot & Cold Breast Therapy Packs can be used warm/hot directly on the breast before and after nursing as a compress and in between feedings or pumping sessions to help reduce pain and swelling from engorgement or mastitis .

You should see a doctor if you are feeling unwell or think you may have mastitis.

A plugged (or blocked) duct is an area of the breast where milk flow is obstructed. The nipple pore may be blocked (often called a milk blister) or the obstruction may be further back in the milk ducts. A plugged duct usually comes on gradually and affects only one breast.

Mum will usually notice a hard lump or wedge-shaped area of engorgement in the vicinity of the plug that may feel tender, hot, swollen or look reddened. Occasionally mum will only notice localised tenderness or pain, without an obvious lump or area of engorgement. The location of the plug may shift.

A plugged duct will typically feel more painful before a feeding and less tender afterward, and the plugged area will usually feel less lumpy or smaller after nursing. Nursing on the affected side may be painful, particularly at letdown.

There are usually no systemic symptoms for a plugged duct, but a low fever (38.5°C) may be present.

A plugged duct can also cause:

• Milk supply and pumping output from the affected breast may decrease temporarily. This is normal and extra nursing/pumping generally gets things back to normal within a short time.
• Occasionally a mum may express “strings” or grains of thickened milk or fatty-looking milk.
• After a plugged duct or mastitis has resolved, it is common for the area to remain reddened or have a bruised feeling for a week or so afterwards.
  

A plugged duct can be caused by:

• Engorgement or inadequate milk removal (due to latching problems, ineffective suck, tongue-tie or other anatomical variations, nipple pain, sleepy or distracted baby, oversupply, hurried feedings, limiting baby’s time at the breast, nipple shield use, twins or higher order multiples, blocked nipple pore, etc.)
• Infrequent/skipped feedings (due to nipple pain, teething, pacifier overuse, busy mum, return to work, baby suddenly sleeping longer, scheduling, supplementing, abrupt weaning, etc.).
• Pressure on the duct (from fingers, tight bra or clothing, prone sleeping, diaper bag, etc.).
• Inflammation (from injury, bacterial/yeast infection, or allergy).
• Stress, anemia, weakened immunity

Common recommendations for plugged duct treatment are heat (with a warm/hot compress), massage, rest, and emptying the breast (by breastfeeding or pumping) and it sometimes requires antibiotics if symptoms are not improving in 12-24 hours, or if mum is acutely ill. Lansinoh® Hot & Cold Breast Therapy Packs can be used warm/hot directly on the breast before and after nursing as a compress and in between feedings or pumping sessions for pain relief and inflammation.

You should see a doctor if you are feeling unwell or your symptoms persist.

Studies show that a warm breast triggers let-down and the release of breastmilk better than a cold breast. By heating Lansinoh® Hot & Cold Breast Therapy Packs and wrapping it around the breast pump cushion, the heat will encourage milk let-down and stimulate milk flow milk.

Resource: Effect of Warm Breastshields on Breast Milk Pumping, JHL, 27(4) 331-338, Kent et al.

Heat the pack in the microwave for no more than 16 seconds and wrap around the outside of the breast pump cushions while pumping.

You may clean your Lansinoh® Hot & Cold Breast Therapy Packs gently with mild soap, alcohol, or detergent and let stand for 1 minute.

Lansinoh® Hot & Cold Breast Therapy Packs can go straight from the freezer and be heated in the microwave, however, be very careful not to overheat your pack. Test the pack temperature prior to application, as overheating may cause injury or may damage /destroy your Lansinoh® Hot & Cold Breast Therapy Packs.

Even microwaves with the same power often heat differently, and sometimes unevenly. We always recommend that you test your pack temperature before you remove it from the microwave, and if it seems to be unevenly heated, shake it around for a while to let the pearls mix together.

No, Lansinoh® Hot & Cold Breast Therapy Packs should not be used as a remedy for teething or as a teething ring.

Lansinoh® Hot & Cold Breast Therapy Packs was designed to be safe and therapeutically effective, but there are some conditions which may increase the risk of frostbite. Check with your doctor if you think one of these may apply to you. People who are taking beta blockers, which decrease the flow of blood to the skin, are particularly susceptible. Also at risk are smokers, individuals with diabetes, peripheral neuropathy, local limb ischemia, arteriosclerosis, cold urticaria, hypertension, rheumatoid arthritis, paroxysmal cold hemoglobinuria, or Raynaud’s phenomenon. A low body fat percentage, most commonly found in athletes and the elderly, also increases the risk of frostbite. Additionally, people suffering from exhaustion, dehydration or malnutrition or who have consumed alcohol should also be careful when using Lansinoh® Hot & Cold Breast Therapy Packs.

The pearls will start to break down with usage. This is perfectly normal, and your Lansinoh® Hot & Cold Breast Therapy Packs will still work even after all the pearls have broken down.

You should discard your pack if it is punctured or pierced.