nipple shield
Nipple shield
A nipple shield is a flexible silicone nipple that is placed over the mama’s nipple during breastfeeding. You might receive one in the hospital if your baby is having difficulty latching.
Latching issues can be caused by tongue-tie or from inverted or flat nipples. Nipple shields can be helpful if you have flat or inverted nipples, a preterm delivery, or a low-birth-weight baby. They should be a short-term solution and should always be used under the guidance and direction of an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC).
Nipple shields may reduce the amount of milk that baby is able to remove from the breast, which may lead to plugged ducts and mastitis. And nobody wants those. Learn how to prevent mastitis.
Blog post (with video): Nipple Shield Recommendations from an IBCLC
What to watch out for
While nipple shields can be very helpful, there are some things to be aware of to ensure they are used correctly and safely.
Blog post: Nipple shields: All You Need to Know
Difficulty with latch
Using a nipple shield can sometimes interfere with your baby’s ability to latch deeply. If the latch is shallow, your baby might not get enough milk. Make sure to watch for signs that your baby is feeding well, such as hearing swallowing sounds and seeing steady weight gain. If you’re concerned about your baby's latch, consult a lactation consultant for guidance. Check that your baby has a good latch.
Milk supply issues
Prolonged use of a nipple shield may reduce the stimulation of your nipples and potentially affect your milk supply. To maintain your supply, nurse frequently and ensure a proper latch with the shield. You can also try pumping after feeding to increase stimulation. If you are using a nipple shield with every breastfeeding session, we generally recommend that you also pump 4x/day to protect your supply. Learn more about increasing milk supply.
Nipple shield fit
It’s important that the nipple shield fits well. If it’s too large or too small, it can cause discomfort or affect milk transfer. When placing a nipple shield on the nipple, slightly invert the shield (turn it partially inside out), center it on your nipple, and then allow the sides of the shield to evert and lay against your breast. This ensures the nipple shield is secure and more of your nipple is in the shield. A lactation consultant can help you find the right size and show you how to use it properly. Read more about nipple shields.
Considerations
Nipple shields need to be washed and allowed to dry to prevent bacterial growth. Because they are frequently clear and small, they can be easy to misplace. Having multiple nipple shields available in your home or diaper bag can save you some stress.
Physical limitations or health circumstances
Certain health issues or physical conditions might make using a nipple shield more challenging.
Premature babies
Premature babies often have difficulty latching due to their small size and immature suck. Nipple shields can help them latch better, but close monitoring by a lactation consultant is important to ensure they are getting enough milk.
Flat or inverted nipples
Mamas with flat or inverted nipples might find nipple shields especially helpful in getting their baby to latch. However, it’s important to use them under the guidance of a lactation consultant to transition to direct breastfeeding when possible. Many babies can latch well on flat or inverted nipples without a nipple shield.
Learn more about breastfeeding with flat or inverted nipples.
Other terms
Learning about related breastfeeding terms can help you better understand the use of nipple shields.
- Latch: How your baby attaches to your breast. A good latch helps your baby get enough milk and prevents nipple pain.
- Flat nipple: A condition where the nipple doesn't protrude, making it harder for the baby to latch.
- Inverted nipple: A condition where the nipple retracts inward, which can also make latching difficult.
- Milk supply: The amount of milk your body produces. Effective breastfeeding techniques help maintain a healthy supply.
- Lactation consultant: A breastfeeding expert who can help you with breastfeeding challenges and using tools like nipple shields.
