Before explaining what silver nursing cups are and how they are used, it is important to begin with what we know. The available research remains limited and includes small studies conducted with specific products. These limitations prevent firm conclusions.
A randomised trial published in 2015, involving 40 women, reported a faster reduction in pain among those who used a specific silver device. Later studies have added some information, but the evidence remains insufficient to conclude that silver nursing cups are superior to other forms of care or that every woman will experience the same result.
A Cochrane review of treatments for painful nipples concluded that the quality of the available evidence did not support the recommendation of any specific intervention. It also found that, for many women, nipple pain decreased to mild levels within seven to ten days after birth, regardless of the treatment used.
When pain, nipple fissures or skin damage are present, it is important to understand the underlying cause and assess the feeding process, positioning, attachment and skin condition before adding another product or device.
What are silver nursing cups?
Breastfeeding is a time of deep bonding, but cracks and nipple pain can make it a real challenge. For those looking for a natural option, silver discs often appear as a possible solution.
Silver is a metal that has been used for centuries for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. More recently, these properties have been applied in the development of discs designed to be placed directly on the nipple between feedings. Their use promotes a moist environment, often associated with skin healing, and is presented as a way to aid tissue regeneration and prevent infections.
This approach is often preferred to topical creams, as it does not require washing the breast before breastfeeding and does not alter the taste of the milk.
How to use and care for silver nursing cups
Using the silver discs is simple. After each feeding, and without the need to apply any cream or lotion, a drop of breast milk is placed inside the silver disc, which is then placed directly on the nipple. The nursing bra or top helps to keep the disc in the proper position. - I advise placing absorbent discs between the silver disc and the nursing bra or top, in order to absorb any milk that may leak out.
To ensure their conservation, the necessary cleaning is minimal: daily washing with water and neutral soap is recommended, ensuring that they are well dried after cleaning. With this care, a pair of discs can be used over several weeks or even in different periods of breastfeeding, often being seen as a practical support for maternal comfort.
When to seek professional support
While silver discs can be a useful tool, pain during breastfeeding is often a sign that the baby’s attachment may not be adequate. At MaterClinic, we provide Postpartum Breastfeeding Consultation and Home Support, with a follow-up focused on understanding the individual situation of each family.
Our goal is to give you clarity and autonomy to make informed decisions, helping to identify and correct the causes of cracks and pain in breastfeeding, in order to prevent them from perpetuating over time.
We share with you the references used and wish you a peaceful motherhood.
Scientific references
Marrazzu, A., Sanna, MG, Dessole, F., Capobianco, G., Piga, MD, & Dessole, S. (2015). Evaluation of the effectiveness of a silver-impregnated medical cap for topical treatment of nipple fissures in breastfeeding mothers. Breastfeeding Medicine, 10(5), 232-238. Accessed on February 8, 2026. https://doi.org/10.1089/bfm.2014.0177
Dennis, C.-L., Jackson, K., & Watson, J. (2014). Interventions for the treatment of painful nipples in breastfeeding women. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2014(12), Article CD007366. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD007366.pub2
