Are nipple soothers (gel pads, cream, shields etc.) necessary?

[Qylie]

In the freezer I use bags and this special box I got off amazon. It freezes them vertically so you can hold more. it has been working pretty well. I freeze mostly 2oz and 3oz. 2 are the most useful.

[jhinckley]

YES! The cooling gel pads did wonders for my very sore nipples.

[Chloe&Tilly'sMom]

I had quite a bit of pain breastfeeding for the first few weeks for both of my daughters. The creams didn't really help, though. I think it was just something my body needed to do to shift into nursing mode. And the pain was usually only for the first minute or two of nursing, until my baby got a better latch.

[isabelsmummy]

Ice packs of any kind were great for me. and for me, breast pads ( to soak up excess milk) were essential but not everyone needs them. If you live near a store you can send DH to get them if you start leaking. The tube of lanolin was nice on the chapped nipples and I used it on my kids for rashes from drooling and cold weather and things too. It's useful stuff.