How and when to use a nipple shield?

Understanding Nipple Shields: When and How to Use Them
Nipple shields are specialized breastfeeding aids designed to assist mothers and their babies during nursing. These devices, typically made from soft silicone, are placed over the nipple and areola to facilitate breastfeeding, particularly in challenging situations. While they have been used for centuries, their application in modern breastfeeding practices is nuanced and requires careful consideration.
When to Use a Nipple Shield
Nipple shields can be beneficial in several scenarios:
1. Flat or Inverted Nipples: Mothers with flat or inverted nipples may find it difficult for their babies to latch properly. A nipple shield can provide a more pronounced surface for the baby to latch onto, making the breastfeeding process easier.
2. Latching Difficulties: If a baby is struggling to latch effectively, a nipple shield can help by providing a familiar shape that encourages the baby to suckle. This is particularly useful for newborns who are still learning how to breastfeed.
3. Sore or Cracked Nipples: For mothers experiencing pain or discomfort due to sore or cracked nipples, using a nipple shield can create a barrier that protects the nipple while still allowing breastfeeding to continue.
4. Premature or Weak Babies: Babies born prematurely or those with weak sucking reflexes may benefit from the use of a nipple shield, as it can help them achieve a better latch and stimulate milk flow more effectively.
5. Temporary Aid: Nipple shields can serve as a temporary solution while addressing underlying breastfeeding issues, such as poor latch or milk supply concerns.
How to Use a Nipple Shield
Using a nipple shield effectively involves a few key steps:
1. Preparation: Before nursing, ensure that the nipple shield is clean and free from any debris. It’s advisable to wash it with warm, soapy water and rinse thoroughly.
2. Positioning: Gently squeeze the nipple shield to create a slight vacuum, which helps it adhere to the nipple. Position the shield over the nipple and areola, ensuring it fits snugly.
3. Encouraging Latch: Bring the baby to the breast, aiming for their mouth to cover both the shield and the areola. This encourages a deeper latch, which is crucial for effective breastfeeding.
4. Monitoring: While using a nipple shield, it’s important to monitor the baby’s feeding patterns and weight gain. If issues persist, consulting a lactation consultant can provide additional support and guidance.
Considerations and Drawbacks
While nipple shields can be helpful, they are not without drawbacks. Some experts caution that prolonged use may lead to decreased milk supply or dependency on the shield, making it harder for the baby to transition to direct breastfeeding. Additionally, the shield can sometimes interfere with the baby’s ability to extract milk effectively, which is essential for establishing a good breastfeeding routine.
In conclusion, nipple shields can be a valuable tool for mothers facing specific breastfeeding challenges. However, they should be used judiciously and ideally under the guidance of a healthcare professional or lactation consultant to ensure that both mother and baby can achieve a successful breastfeeding experience.

How to get baby to latch deeper?

With your baby’s head tilted back and chin up, lift him or her to touch your nipple. The nipple should rest just above the baby’s upper lip. Wait for your baby to open very wide, then “scoop” the breast by placing the lower jaw on first. Now tip your baby’s head forward and place the upper jaw well behind your nipple.

Why are nipple shields discouraged?

Although nipple shields may be a useful tool in certain situations, they also may cause challenges. Nipple shields create a barrier, may exacerbate latch issues when mom attempts to go back to direct breastfeeding, and they can lead to poor milk transfer and decrease mom’s milk supply.

Why are nipple shields controversial?

The use of nipple shields is a controversial topic in the field of lactation. Its use has been an issue in the clinical literature since some older studies discovered reduced breast milk transfer when using nipple shields, while more recent studies reported successful breastfeeding outcomes.

Is it OK to use nipple shield permanently?

A nipple shield is usually only used once your milk supply has increased in amount and changed from colostrum to mature milk. This usually happens 2 to 5 days after the birth. In most cases, you only need to use a nipple shield for a short time.

What is the most likely reason to use a nipple shield?

Nipple shields are usually recommended to mothers for flat nipples or in cases in which there is a failure of the baby to effectively latch onto the breast within the first 2 days postpartum.

Do babies get more milk without a nipple shield?

All 34 infants consumed more milk with the shield than without, with a mean of 14.4 mL difference. The mean transfer of milk without a shield was 3.9 ± 7.0 mL, indicating poor milk transfer, compared to 18.4 ± 13.2 mL with the shield.

When should you use nipple shields?

A nipple shield may be helpful if

1. Your baby is struggling to learn how to breastfeed.
2. You have flat or inverted nipples, or very soft breasts as it can help maintain nipple shape.
3. Your baby thrusts his tongue, has a retracted tongue or has neurological problems.
4. Your baby was born prematurely.

Do babies eat faster without a nipple shield?

Concerns with the use of a nipple shield
However, your baby may still take a little longer to feed than they would without it, as the nipple shield will still slow the flow a bit. If your baby’s attachment is still not great, then they may not get as much milk.

What does a good latch look like with a nipple shield?

When your baby is latched correctly to the nipple shield, their mouth should be over the whole nipple with their lips extended around the areola. Your baby shouldn’t be sucking on just the tip of the nipple.

Why aren’t nipple shields recommended?

Why shouldn’t all moms use a nipple shield? The thin silicone layer of the shield interferes with the normal sensory feedback between the baby and the breast. Many moms find their milk supply gradually decreases with the shield.