What is a nipple shield?
A nipple shield can help if your baby has a trouble latching on (attaching) during breastfeeding. A nipple shield looks like a little hat. The top of the hat fits over your nipple, and the flat rim lies over your areola.
Most nipple shields are made of soft, thin plastic or silicone that can bend and stretch. Nipple shields come in different sizes. The size you need depends on the size of your nipple and your baby’s mouth.
A nipple shield should be fitted by a
lactation consultant or a healthcare provider who knows how to fit nipple shields.
When to use a nipple shield
A nipple shield can help with some breastfeeding challenges, latching, or flow of milk.
A lactation consultant can watch you feed your baby and help you decide if a nipple shield is right for you and your baby.
How long to use a nipple shield
How long you and your baby use a nipple shield will depend on why you're using it. You might use it for a short time, such as 1 feed, or for a week. Or you might need to use it for a longer time, such as a month or 6 months. If your baby is feeding well and gaining weight using the nipple shield, you can keep using it or it might be time to wean your baby from the nipple shield.
Talk to your lactation consultant to decide what’s right for you and your baby.
Things to try before using a nipple shield
There are a few things you can try before using a nipple shield:
- Tug or roll your nipple or use a breast pump for a few minutes to help your nipple stick out right before latching your baby. This doesn't work for all breasts.
- Hold your breast like a sandwich, flattened slightly, so your baby can latch on and keep a deep latch.
If these ideas didn’t help, or if you have other breastfeeding challenges, ask your healthcare provider to refer you to a lactation consultant.
How a lactation consultant can help
Nipple shields look simple, but there are important things to know when using them. A lactation consultant will help you use it correctly. A lactation consultant can:
- fit you with the correct size nipple shield
- help you make sure that your baby is latching deeply and drinking well from your breast
- advise you on how long to use a nipple shield
- offer tips on how to wean your baby from the nipple shield
How to use a nipple shield correctly
It's important to use a nipple shield correctly and to have the right support. If it isn't used the right way, your nipples may become damaged, you can lose your milk supply, or your baby may not get enough milk.
There are signs that you’re using the nipple shield correctly:
- Your baby is attached deeply onto your breast.
- It doesn't hurt or pinch when your baby sucks.
- The shield isn't puckered or dented when your baby is latched.
- You hear and see your baby swallowing.
- Your baby is sucking and swallowing in a regular pattern.
- You may feel your milk let down.
- You see milk in the shield when your baby releases your breast.
- Your baby has the expected number of wet and dirty diapers.
- Your baby is content after breastfeeding.
- Your baby is gaining weight.
When not to use a nipple shield
If your nipples are damaged, talk to your healthcare provider about a referral to a lactation consultant. This could mean that your nipples are:
- bruised
- cracked or bleeding
- raw or scabbed
- blistered or peeling
The lactation consultant can help with your latching technique and look for reasons why your nipples are injured. This may include assessig your baby's mouth and tongue.
Why it's important to get help when using a nipple shield
Breastfeeding experts recommend only using a nipple shield with the help of a lactation consultant or another healthcare provider who knows how to use them. They'll provide information about nipple shields and help you learn how to know when your baby is breastfeeding well while using a nipple shield.
You and your baby should see the lactation consultant regularly to have the right support for as long as you’re using the nipple shield. They’ll observe your baby breastfeeding and give you advice about the best way to keep using the nipple shield.
While you're using a nipple shield to breastfeed, have your baby weighed regularly to make sure they’re gaining a healthy amount of weight.
When to wean your baby off the nipple shield
Some babies use a nipple shield for the whole time they’re breastfeeding. Other babies wean off the nipple shield to bare breastfeeding. Talk to your lactation consultant to know if weaning off the nipple shield is right for your baby.
Cleaning a nipple shield
To clean and care for a nipple shield, follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
