Sore, sensitive or cracked nipples can make the early days of breastfeeding particularly challenging. While finding and addressing the cause of nipple pain is important, having something to protect sensitive nipples between feeds can make your breastfeeding journey a little more comfortable. That’s where Silver Nursing Cups come in.
Lactivate® Silver Nursing Cups are reusable silver nipple cups designed to sit comfortably over the nipples between breastfeeding or pumping sessions. They help protect sensitive skin from rubbing against bras and clothing while harnessing the natural properties of pure silver.
Our much-loved Lactivate® Silver Nursing Cups have recently had an upgrade. They are now crafted from 999 silver, contain approximately 4g of silver per cup and feature a new one-size design with optional removable silicone comfort rings.
If you’re wondering how Silver Nursing Cups work, when to start using them or whether they could be a useful addition to your breastfeeding essentials, we’ve answered some of the most common questions below.
What are Silver Nursing Cups?
Silver Nursing Cups are small, reusable cups made from silver that are worn directly over the nipples inside your bra between feeds.
Unlike nursing pads, which are primarily designed to absorb leaking breastmilk, Silver Nursing Cups create a protective barrier around the nipple. This helps minimise rubbing and friction from clothing when nipples are already sore, cracked or sensitive.
Lactivate® Silver Nursing Cups are made from 999 silver, meaning 99.9% pure silver, and are nickel free.
Each set includes:
- 2 x 999 Silver Nursing Cups
- Approximately 4g of silver per cup and 8g per pair
- 2 x removable silicone comfort rings
- Microfiber polishing cloth
- Protective storage case
Their reusable design also makes them a practical addition to your breastfeeding and postpartum essentials.
How do Silver Nursing Cups work?
Silver Nursing Cups are designed to sit over the nipple between breastfeeding or pumping sessions, creating space between sensitive nipples and your bra or clothing. This protective barrier can be particularly helpful when nipples are tender and contact with fabric feels uncomfortable.
Silver also has natural antimicrobial properties. A few drops of your own breastmilk can be placed inside each cup before positioning it over your nipple as part of your breastfeeding care routine.
The cups are then removed before your next breastfeeding or pumping session.
What are the benefits of Silver Nursing Cups for breastfeeding?
There are several reasons breastfeeding mums choose Silver Nursing Cups as part of their nipple care routine.
Protect sensitive nipples
The contoured cup creates a physical barrier between your nipple and clothing, helping reduce rubbing and friction.
Support sore and cracked nipples
Silver Nursing Cups can be used between feeds to help soothe and support the healing of sore, cracked and damaged nipples.
Reusable
Unlike disposable nursing products, Silver Nursing Cups can be cleaned and reused throughout your breastfeeding journey.
No nipple cream required
They can be worn directly against the nipple without applying creams or balms.
Easy to use
Simply add a few drops of breastmilk if desired, position the cups over your nipples and wear them inside your bra between feeds.
Why 999 silver?
One of the biggest upgrades to the new Lactivate® Silver Nursing Cups is the move from 925 sterling silver to 999 silver. 999 silver means the material is 99.9% pure silver.
Our previous Silver Nursing Cups were made from 925 sterling silver. The new design is crafted from 999 silver and contains approximately 4g of silver in each cup. They are not silver plated.
How much silver is in Lactivate Silver Nursing Cups?
Each Lactivate® Silver Nursing Cup contains approximately 4 grams of 999 silver, giving you approximately 8 grams of silver per pair.
Are Silver Nursing Cups one size?
Yes. Our updated Silver Nursing Cups now feature a one-size design, so there’s no longer any need to choose between different cup sizes.
Each cup measures approximately 5.5cm in diameter with an internal depth of 1.8cm.
The set also includes removable silicone comfort rings. These provide additional cushioning around the edge of the cup and can be used or removed depending on what feels most comfortable for you.
How do you use Silver Nursing Cups?
Using your Silver Nursing Cups is simple:
- Wash your hands before handling the cups.
- Place a few drops of your own breastmilk inside each cup if desired.
- Position each cup directly over your nipple.
- Place your bra over the cups to hold them comfortably in position.
- Use the removable silicone comfort rings if you would like additional cushioning.
- Remove the cups before breastfeeding or pumping.
- Rinse and dry your Silver Nursing Cups after use.
They are designed to be worn between breastfeeding or pumping sessions while your nipples are sore, cracked or sensitive.
When should I start using Silver Nursing Cups?
You can introduce Silver Nursing Cups whenever your nipples begin to feel sensitive, sore or irritated. Some mums choose to have a pair ready in their hospital bag so they’re available during the early days of breastfeeding, while others start using them if nipple discomfort develops.
There isn't one perfect time to start. Every breastfeeding journey is different.
Importantly, persistent nipple pain shouldn't simply be something you feel you have to put up with. Pain can sometimes be associated with attachment, positioning or other breastfeeding concerns. If nipple pain is ongoing, severe or getting worse, speak with your healthcare professional or lactation consultant.
How long can I wear Silver Nursing Cups?
Silver Nursing Cups are designed to be worn inside your bra between breastfeeding or pumping sessions. How often and for how long you choose to use them will depend on your individual comfort and breastfeeding needs.
Always remove the cups before breastfeeding or pumping and regularly check that they are sitting comfortably without creating unwanted pressure on your breast.
Can I put breastmilk inside Silver Nursing Cups?
Yes. You can place a few drops of your own breastmilk inside each Silver Nursing Cup before positioning it over your nipple.
There's no need to fill the cup. A few drops is enough.
Can I use nipple cream with Silver Nursing Cups?
We recommend using Lactivate® Silver Nursing Cups directly against the nipple without nipple creams or balms. If you're using a prescribed or professionally recommended nipple treatment, follow the advice of your healthcare professional.
Can you sleep in Silver Nursing Cups?
Silver Nursing Cups can be worn inside a comfortable nursing bra between feeds, including overnight if they remain comfortable and don't place excessive pressure on your breast.
Always remove them before breastfeeding or pumping.
If the cups feel tight or uncomfortable at any point, remove them and reposition before continuing use.
How do I clean Silver Nursing Cups?
Keeping your Silver Nursing Cups clean is simple. Between uses, rinse them with warm, clean water and dry thoroughly with a clean, soft cloth.
For a deeper clean or to help remove tarnish:
- Mix one teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda with a few drops of water to create a paste.
- Gently rub the paste over the silver.
- Rinse thoroughly with clean water.
- Dry with a soft cloth.
- Use the included microfiber polishing cloth as needed.
Avoid harsh chemicals and abrasive scourers that may scratch or damage the silver.
Why have my Silver Nursing Cups changed colour?
Don't panic if your Silver Nursing Cups begin to look darker or slightly discoloured over time. Silver naturally oxidises and can develop tarnish with exposure to air, moisture and skin. This is a normal characteristic of silver.
Use the included microfiber polishing cloth or the bicarbonate of soda cleaning method above to gently clean your cups when required.
Silver Nursing Cups vs nipple cream: what's the difference?
Nipple creams and Silver Nursing Cups support nipple care in different ways.
Nipple creams and balms are topical products applied directly to the skin. Silver Nursing Cups are physical cups worn over the nipples between feeds, helping protect sensitive skin from rubbing against clothing.
Silver Nursing Cups are reusable and don't require the regular application of creams, making them a convenient option for mums looking for a simple addition to their breastfeeding care routine.
Which option works best will depend on your individual needs and the reason you're experiencing nipple discomfort.
Are Silver Nursing Cups worth adding to your hospital bag?
If you're preparing to breastfeed, Silver Nursing Cups are a handy product to consider adding to your hospital bag or breastfeeding essentials. You may never experience significant nipple discomfort, but having nipple care products ready means you don't have to start searching for solutions when you're already navigating feeding a newborn.
They're small, reusable and easy to keep in your nursing caddy or hospital bag ready for when you need them.
Where can I buy Silver Nursing Cups in Australia?
Lactivate® 999 Silver Nursing Cups are available online in Australia from Milkbar Breastpumps. Each pair is crafted from 999 silver and includes removable silicone comfort rings, a microfiber polishing cloth and protective storage case.
Whether you're preparing for breastfeeding or looking for some extra support for sore, sensitive or cracked nipples, they're a reusable addition to your breastfeeding toolkit.
Shop Lactivate® 999 Silver Nursing Cups at Milkbar Breastpumps.
Lactivate® Silver Nursing Cups are included on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG), Article Number 530577.
Silver Nursing Cups can support nipple care but aren't a substitute for identifying the cause of ongoing breastfeeding pain. If symptoms persist, always seek guidance from your doctor, lactation consultant or other qualified health professional.
