How do I get my baby to latch deeper with a nipple shield?

Understanding Nipple Shields
Nipple shields are specialized devices designed to assist mothers in breastfeeding, particularly when facing challenges such as flat or inverted nipples, or when the baby has difficulty latching. These shields, typically made from soft silicone or plastic, cover the nipple and provide a more accessible surface for the baby to latch onto. However, while they can be beneficial, experts recommend using them only when necessary and for the shortest duration possible to encourage a natural breastfeeding experience.
Tips for Achieving a Deeper Latch with a Nipple Shield
Getting your baby to latch deeper with a nipple shield can be a nuanced process. Here are some effective strategies to enhance the latch:
1. Proper Placement of the Shield: Start by ensuring that the nipple shield is correctly positioned. Stretch the shield over your breast, centering the tip over your nipple. The shield should fit snugly against your breast, allowing your nipple to extend into the tip. This positioning is crucial for facilitating a deeper latch.
2. Encouraging Latching: To entice your baby to latch, consider expressing a small amount of milk into the tip of the shield or dripping some expressed milk onto the outside. This can stimulate your baby’s interest and encourage them to latch more effectively.
3. Skin-to-Skin Contact: Prior to feeding, engage in skin-to-skin contact with your baby. This practice not only fosters bonding but also stimulates your baby’s natural feeding instincts, making them more likely to latch successfully.
4. Positioning Your Baby: Hold your baby close, ensuring that their mouth is level with your nipple. This positioning allows them to open wide and take in more of the breast, which is essential for a deep latch. You can also compress your breast slightly to help guide your nipple into your baby’s mouth.
5. Adjusting the Angle: Experiment with different feeding positions. Some mothers find that a laid-back position or side-lying can help their baby achieve a deeper latch. The key is to find a comfortable angle that allows your baby to latch on effectively.
6. Patience and Practice: Achieving a deep latch with a nipple shield may take time and practice. Be patient with yourself and your baby as you both learn this new technique. If you encounter persistent difficulties, consider consulting a lactation consultant for personalized guidance.
Conclusion
Using a nipple shield can be a helpful solution for breastfeeding challenges, but it requires careful attention to technique and positioning. By ensuring proper placement of the shield, encouraging your baby to latch through skin-to-skin contact, and experimenting with different feeding positions, you can improve the chances of achieving a deeper latch. Remember, breastfeeding is a learning process for both you and your baby, so take your time and seek support when needed.

How do you get a shallow latch to a deep latch?

Gentle Chin Support: Use your finger to gently support your baby’s chin, encouraging them to open their mouth wider. Nipple Stimulation: Lightly brush your nipple against your baby’s lips. This can stimulate their natural rooting reflex, prompting them to open their mouth, avoiding a shallow latch.

Do nipple shields cause a shallow latch?

Good placement of the nipple shield is key to getting a deep latch. You don’t want to just put it on like a bandaid. Baby can still get a shallow latch like this which can cause nipple damage and decrease the amount of milk baby can move from the breast.

Why are nipple shields not recommended?

The thin silicon cover can reduce the signals your body needs to make milk. This can lead to reduced milk supply and your baby not gaining enough weight. Other risks with nipple shields include: blocked ducts, breast abscess and mastitis.

How to get a deep latch with a nipple shield?

Utilize the same techniques to achieve a deep latch as you would without the shield, but align the baby’s mouth with the shield rather than placing the nipple on the baby’s nose. Wait for baby to open wide and then push him on quickly and assertively from the shoulder blades. Baby should start sucking right away.

How do you get a deep latch lying down?

Tuck the arm you’re lying on under your head or pillow (ensuring your baby’s position isn’t altered by the pillow) and use your free arm to support and guide your baby’s head to your breast.

How do you fix a shallow latch?

How to Fix a Shallow Latch

1. 💡 Adjust Your Position: Lean back slightly once your baby is latched.
2. 💡 Express or Pump Before Feeding: Hand express or pump a small amount of milk before latching to reduce the initial rush.
3. 💡 Feed More Frequently: The more often you feed, the less forceful your letdown is likely to be.

Does it take longer to breastfeed with 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 are the disadvantages of using nipple shields?

Some of the disadvantages of using a nipple shield are:

• It’s difficult to wean a baby from a nipple shield.
• Using a nipple shield limits skin-to-skin contact between you and your baby.
• Your baby may not transfer as much milk through a nipple shield as they would directly from your nipple.

How to get deep latch with nipple shield?

Utilize the same techniques to achieve a deep latch as you would without the shield, but align the baby’s mouth with the shield rather than placing the nipple on the baby’s nose. Wait for baby to open wide and then push him on quickly and assertively from the shoulder blades. Baby should start sucking right away.

How can I help my baby get a deep latch?

You can pull the baby’s chin down while nursing to try to force a deeper latch. Another method is you can use your finger to sort of drag the top of your breast tissue back (making the top more shallow sometimes prompts the baby to deepen on the bottom side).