Three "Belcroy" glass nipple shells. One pair and one larger shell

Three "Belcroy" glass nipple shells. One pair and one larger shell, in original box, John Bell & Croyden, London, 1950-1960

Nipple or breast shells protect sore or cracked nipples from further irritation caused by clothing, and can also be used to help correct inverted nipples. Unlike nipple shields which are worn during breastfeeding, shells are worn between feedings and work by applying a gentle pressure at the base of the nipple to draw out flat or inverted nipples. They can also be used to collect leaking breastmilk.

These glass examples from the 1950s belonged to Maureen Haynes, who breastfed her daughters until they were two. Maureen had inverted nipples and experienced difficulties breastfeeding. She followed American paediatrician Dr Benjamin Spock, who advocated a gentler and more flexible approach to parenting than many of his contemporaries. Dr Spock championed the psychological benefits of breastfeeding, while also providing advice on combination and formula feeding. Breastfeeding rates in the west were in decline during this era, and continuing into toddlerhood was uncommon.