Reusable therapeutic hot and cold pack for use with pain, swelling, engorgement, plugged ducts or mastitis associated with breastfeeding or to help encourage let-down while using a breast pump

Cold Therapy: relieves engorgement.

Freeze at least 2 hours

Hot Therapy: relieves mastitis, plugged ducts.

Place packs in cloth covers and microwave 15 seconds. You may add more time in 5 second increments as needed until desired temperature is reached.

Breast Pump Aid: use warm to reduce time spent pumping.

Place packs in cloth covers and microwave 15 seconds. You may add more time in 5 second increments as needed until desired temperature is reached. Wrap around the outside of breast pump flanges while pumping, securing with the snap. Alternatively, the packs can be used just prior to pumping on your breasts to help encourage let-down.

What is Therapearl 3-in1 Breast Therapy?

Therapearl 3-in-1 Breast Therapy is non-toxic hot or cold resusable pack that can be used to help ease pain, swelling, engorgement, plugged ducts, or mastitis.

Is Therapearl 3-in 1 Breast Therapy BPA and Phthalate-Free?

Therapearl 3-in-1 Breast Therapy is BPA and Phthalate-Free.

Does Therapearl 3-in 1 Breast Therapy contain latex?

Therapearl 3-in 1 Breast Therapy does not contain latex.

Are the pearl beads inside Therapearl 3-in-1 Breast Therapy Packs non-toxic? What are they made of (specific ingredient needed)?

The beads in the Therapearl 3-in 1 Breast Therapy packs are non-toxic and are made from a super absorbent polymer.

Is Therapearl 3-in-1 Breast Therapy reusable?

TheraPearl packs are reusable and your pack will last longer if you treat it well. Overheating beyond the suggested time of 15 seconds, may damage or destroy your Therapearl 3-in-1 Breast Therapy.

How is Therapearl 3-in 1 Breast Therapy different from other products?

Therapearl 3-in 1 Breast Therapy is the only product that has three uses in one. It can be used as cold therapy to treat/relieve engorgement, hot therapy to help relieve mastitis, and plugged ducts, as well as hot/warm as a breast pump aid to reduce time spent pumping.

What is engorgement and how can Therapearl 3-in 1 Breast Therapy help?

In the early stages of nursing, it is not uncommon for a mom to experience swelling when her milk comes in, this is called engorgement. Therapearl 3-in 1 Breast Therapy can be used as a cold therapy to help treat engorgement.

What is mastitis and how can Therapearl 3-in 1 Breast Therapy help?

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.

• Typical mastitis symptoms include a fever of 101.3°F (38.5°C) or greater, chills, flu-like aching, malaise and systemic illness.
• Expressed milk may look lumpy, clumpy, “gelatin-like” or stringy. This milk is fine for baby, but some moms prefer to strain the “lumps” out.
• Milk may take on a saltier taste due to increased sodium and chloride content – some babies may resist/refuse the breast due to this temporary change.
• Milk may occasionally contain mucus, pus or blood.

Mastitis 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 mom, 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 mastitis 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 mom is acutely ill.

Therapearl 3-in-1 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.

What is a plugged duct and how can Therapearl 3-in-1 Breast Therapy help?

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.

Mom 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 mom will only notice localized 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 (less than 101.3°F / 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 get things back to normal within a short time.
• Occasionally a mom 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 mom, 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 mom is acutely ill.

Therapearl 3-in-1 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.

Why does the warmth of the Therapearl 3-in 1 Breast Therapy help milk flow?

Studies have shown that a warm breast triggers let-down and the release of breastmilk than a cold breast. By heating the Therapearl and wrapping it around the breastpump flange, the heat will encourage the milk let-down and milk is likely to begin flowing more quickly. (resource: Effect of Warm Breastshields on Breast Milk Pumping, JHL, 27(4) 331-338, Kent et al.)

How do I affix the Therapearl 3-in 1 Breast Therapy on my pump flange?

While using the purple cover, you can detach the elastic band and wrap it around the pump flange and then affix the elastic band.

To remove, gently unsnap by placing your fingers alongside the snap and gently pull apart. Do not pull it apart without anchoring first with your fingers.

Does the Therapearl 3-in 1 Breast Therapy work on all sized pump flanges (manual and electric)?

Because of the elastic band on the cover, Therapearl 3-in 1 Breast Therapy, should be usable with all manual and electric pump flanges.

Can I use Therapearl 3-in 1 Breast Therapy if my nipples are chafed and sore?

Therapearl 3-in-1 Breast Therapy packs are not designed for usage for soothing sore or chafed nipples because of the hole in the middle. Lansinoh offers its HPA Lanolin and Soothies Gel Pads for treatment and soothing of sore and chafed nipples.

Should I heat the Therapearl 3-in 1 Breast Therapy with the cover on?

Yes, the product is designed to be heated inside the cover, but always be sure to test the temperature of your pack before applying it to your skin!

Can I wash my Therapearl 3-in 1 Breast Therapy cover?

Yes, you can wash and dry the Therapearl 3-in 1 Breast Therapy cover with your regular laundry.

Can I use Therapearl 3-in 1 Breast Therapy and HPA together?

There is no reason why a mom cannot use HPA Lanolin and Therapearl 3-in-1 Breast therapy while also using HPA, however, mom may wish to wipe her Therapearl off after removing it from her breast as some HPA may have gotten on the Therapearl.

Can I use Therapearl 3-in 1 Breast Therapy and Soothies together?

There is no reason why a mom cannot use Soothies Gel pads and Therapearl 3-in-1 breast therapy together.

Can I use Therapearl 3-in 1 Breast Therapy when my baby is nursing (same time)?

It would be difficult to use Therapearl 3-in-1 breast therapy while your baby is nursing because it would limit her access to properly latch on. We recommend using the Therapearl before and after nursing or with your breast pump to aid with let-down.

Can I use Therapearl 3-in 1 Breast Therapy for other uses when I am done nursing?

Yes, you may use your Therapearl 3-in 1 Breast Therapy as a cold/hot therapy for any other aches/pains. We would not recommend using as a teething ring.

How do Therapearl, Soothies and HPA Lanolin complement each other?

HPA Lanolin and Soothies Gel pads are treatments for sore nipples. Therapearl 3-in-1 breast therapy is not specifically indicated for sore nipple or nipple treatment. It is for the breast as a whole for therapy of mastitis, engorgement which affect the breast outside the areola and nipple area.

How do I use Therapearl 3-in 1 Breast Therapy when pumping?

You would heat the packs in the microwave for no more than 15 seconds and wrap around the outside of the breast pump flanges while pumping, securing with the snap on the outside of the purple sleeve.

How do I clean my Therapearl 3-in-1 Breast Therapy?

You may Clean your Therapearl 3-in-1 Breast Therapy gently with mild soap, alcohol, or detergent and let stand for 1 minute.

How long will the Therapearl 3-in-1 Breast Therapy stay hot or cold?

Therapearl packs were designed to stay hot or cold and deliver a therapeutically effective temperature for a doctor recommended time of 20 minutes. If you plan to re-apply the product, be sure to take a 20 minute break between uses. Some of our customers have told us they prefer to use the packs chilled in the refrigerator rather than the freezer. Consult with your physician if you are unsure about what will work best for you.

Can I take my Therapearl 3-in-1 Breast Therapy straight from the freezer and heat in the microwave?

Therapearl 3-in-1 Breast Therapy 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 Therapearl 3-in-1 Breast Therapy.

What happens if I heat my Therapearl 3-in-1 Breast Therapy for too long?

Overheating or prolonged application may cause injury, including burns. Heating beyond the suggested time (15 seconds) may also damage or destroy your Therapearl 3-in-1 Breast Therapy. It is normal for a Therapearl 3-in-1 Breast Therapy to expand a little when heated for the recommended time. If you accidentally heat your Therapearl 3-in-1 Breast Therapy 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. Therapearl 3-in-1 Breast Therapy will explode if heated for an excessive amount of time.

What should I do if my microwave doesn't seem to be heating my pack evenly?

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.

Can I fall asleep with my pack on?

TheraPearl packs were designed to be therapeutically effective and safe but we do not recommend you fall asleep with a heated or chilled pack applied.

Is it okay to use a TheraPearl pack on open wounds?

TheraPearl packs were not designed to be used on open wounds.

Do I have to freeze my Therapearl 3-in 1 Breast Therapy for 2 hours prior to using for cold therapy?

You can leave your pack in the freezer indefinitely, or just chill it for a short period of time. Some of our customers are looking for "cool" rather than very cold so they store their packs in the refrigerator.

Can I use my Therapearl 3-in 1 Breast Therapy later for my child as a teething ring?

Therapearl 3-in 1 Breast Therapy should not be used as a remedy for teething or as a teething ring.

I've used my Therapearl 3-in 1 Breast Therapy for a while and the pearls are starting to break down, is this normal?

The pearls in your Therapearl 3-in 1 Breast Therapy will start to break down with usage. This is perfectly normal, and your Therapearl 3-in 1 Breast Therapy will still work even after all the pearls break down.

How do I know when it's time to dispose of my Therapearl 3-in 1 Breast Therapy?

You should discard your pack any time it's punctured or pierced.

What should I do if I keep using my Therapearl 3-in 1 Breast Therapy but the pain won't go away?

Seek medical attention.

Can I place the Therapearl 3-in-1 Breast Therapy directly on my skin without the purple sleeve?

Therapearl 3-in 1 Breast Therapy can be placed directly on your skin, but be sure to test the Therapearl 3-in 1 Breast Therapy’s temperature before applying.

Can I use my Therapearl 3-in-1 Breast Therapy if I am pregnant?

Congratulations! We recommend that you ask your doctor if Therapearl 3-in-1 Breast Therapy is an appropriate product for you and your specific situation.

Are there any medical conditions that may put me at risk if I use a TheraPearl 3-in-1 Breast Therapy pack?

Therapearl was designed by a doctor to be safe and therapeutically effective, but there are some conditions which may increase the risk of frostbite. Check with your physician 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 Therapearl 3-in-1 packs.

What does the "CE" mark on a TheraPearl pack stand for?

The CE mark on our product demonstrates that a TheraPearl pack complies with European Economic Area (EEA) requirements for our type of medical device. These requirements cover such areas as risk management, quality control and safety.