Nipple Shields

I know some other lactation consultants will shudder at the thought of recommending a nipple shield, but I really believe in them. My personal belief is that if we can get a mom to continue to breastfeed for a few days, weeks, months, or years than she would have without the shield, then give that lady a nipple shield! Personally, I used a nipple shield for the DURATION of breastfeeding both of my children, 15 months and 24 months.

What is a nipple shield?
A nipple shield is an artificial nipple that is placed over the mom’s actual nipple and the baby latches to it. Older nipple shields were made from glass, plastic, rubber, or latex. Newer shields are made using a very thin silicone. They allow for more direct contact with the breast, with cutouts by the baby’s nose and chin. The silicone shields also do not appear to interfere with milk production or appropriate infant weight gain (although there is a “mixed bag” of research out there).

First and foremost, a nipple shield is NOT for everyone and should NOT be used as a pain management technique. The use of a nipple shield should only be implemented under the care of a lactation consultant and after all other techniques to aid in breastfeeding have failed. Common reasons that a nipple shield is used:

• Preterm babies
• Babies with a short tongue, tight frenulum, or high palate
• Moms who have flat or inverted nipples that do not respond to techniques to evert
• Transitioning a baby who has been solely bottle fed to breastfeeding
• Moms who are having difficulty with the breastfeeding process and want to wean early (nipple shield may help them get through the difficult time and preserve breast milk supply)

A nipple shield is, at appearance, a simple looking device to use, but it’s application is important for correct usage.

1. Moisten the edges (breastmilk)
2. Partially inverting the nipple portion
3. Place over the center of the nipples
4. Push back the outer edges of the shield and smooth over the breast

Weaning from the shield may not happen quickly, especially if a baby has been using it for a long period of time. The mother should watch for signals that the baby may nurse without the shield. She can then try and go cold turkey, and if that works, ‘hats off to ‘ya!’ or she can start feeds with the nipple shield in place and then remove it and allow the baby to nurse once they have already gotten a little full. Skin to skin is very important for this process, so please keep that in mind. Also, never trim down a nipple shield to try and wean the baby from the breast, it’s not safe.

At the end of the day, remember what the goal is: healthy baby and happy mom. Do not let one person’s opinion influence your success at breastfeeding. Do what feels right for you and your baby, and if that means using a nipple shield temporarily or forever, so be it. Just arm yourself with knowledge and support, always.

You got this mama!

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