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Breastfeeding is a natural process, but it doesn’t always come easily. If you’re experiencing painful breastfeeding, latching difficulties, or have flat or inverted nipples, you might be feeling frustrated and overwhelmed. A nipple shield can be an incredibly effective temporary tool to help you and your baby achieve a comfortable and successful feed.
This guide explains what nipple shields are, how to use them correctly, and why it’s crucial to view them as a short-term solution while you seek professional support.
Important Note: A nipple shield can be a fantastic bridge to successful breastfeeding, but it doesn’t fix the underlying cause of a latching problem. If pain persists or you find you need the shields for every feed, we strongly recommend a consultation with an IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant) to identify and resolve the root issue.
Nipple shields work by providing a firmer, more defined shape for your baby to latch onto, encouraging a wider gape and a deeper attachment. They can be a lifeline for parents dealing with:
Latching Difficulties: For babies who struggle to attach to the breast or pop on and off frequently.
Shallow Latch: The shield encourages the baby to draw more breast tissue into their mouth.
Sore or Damaged Nipples: It provides a protective barrier, allowing your nipples to heal while you continue to breastfeed.
Flat or Inverted Nipples: The shield gives the baby a prominent point to latch onto.
Oral Dysfunction or Tongue-Tie: While awaiting treatment, a shield can help a baby with restricted tongue movement to feed more effectively.
Prematurity: Premature babies may have a weak or uncoordinated suck, and a shield can provide the stimulation they need to feed.
Transitioning from Bottle to Breast: The firmer feel of the silicone can be familiar to a baby accustomed to bottles.
While nipple shields can be an invaluable tool, it’s important to use them with the support of a professional. If used incorrectly or for too long without addressing the root cause of feeding issues, they can sometimes lead to challenges:
Reduced Milk Transfer and Slow Weight Gain: A shield can sometimes make it harder for the baby to efficiently draw milk from the breast, which may impact their weight gain if not monitored closely.
Decreased Milk Supply: Your milk supply is driven by direct nipple stimulation. A shield acts as a barrier, which can potentially lead to reduced breast stimulation and, over time, a lower milk supply.
Increased Risk of Blocked Ducts and Mastitis: If the shield causes a baby to latch more shallowly or drain the breast less effectively, it can lead to milk stasis, increasing the risk of painful blocked ducts and mastitis.
Difficulty Weaning Off the Shield: Some babies can become accustomed to the firmer texture of the silicone, making the transition back to the natural breast a challenge.
Impact on Breastfeeding Confidence: Relying on a tool can sometimes cause a parent to lose confidence in their ability to breastfeed directly, making the journey feel more complicated.
To avoid these potential challenges, it is crucial to seek skilled breastfeeding support as soon as you start using nipple shields.
Consult with an IBCLC-qualified Lactation Consultant or a breastfeeding counsellor in your local area. They can create a personalised plan to help you use the shield effectively as a short-term tool, ensure your baby is feeding well, protect your milk supply, and help you work towards your personal breastfeeding goals.
Nipple shields are widely available in pharmacies, baby stores, and online. They are typically sold in pairs and come in various shapes and sizes from a variety of well-known brands.
Getting the correct size is essential for comfort and effectiveness.
How to Measure: To find your size, measure the diameter of your nipple base (where the nipple meets the areola) in millimetres (mm). Always refer to the specific manufacturer’s sizing guide, which is usually on their website.
A Note on Sizing: You may find that each breast requires a different size. A poorly fitting shield can cause pain or nipple damage, so it’s worth taking the time to measure correctly.
Proper hygiene is essential to keep your baby safe.
Before First Use: Clean and sterilise the nipple shields according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
After Each Feed: Immediately wash the shield with hot, soapy water to remove any milk residue.
Rinse and Dry: Rinse thoroughly with hot water, then allow it to air dry completely on a clean surface.
Storage: Store the dry shields in a clean, covered container to protect them from dust and germs.
Using a shield correctly is key to its success. Follow these steps for an effective latch:
Express a Little Milk: Hand express a few drops of breast milk into the tip of the shield. This encourages your baby to latch and helps the milk flow sooner.
Moisten the Brim: Moisten the edges of the shield with a little water. This helps it create a secure seal against your skin.
Flip and Centre: Gently stretch and turn the shield partially inside out (like a sombrero). Centre it over your nipple and then flip it back onto the breast, enclosing the nipple. This creates a gentle suction that helps hold it in place.
Encourage a Wide Latch: Bring your baby to the breast, not the breast to the baby. Tickle their top lip with the tip of the shield to encourage them to open their mouth wide.
Aim for a Deep Latch: As they open wide, bring them quickly onto the breast so they take in as much of the shield and areola as possible. Their chin should be pressed into your breast, and their nose should be clear.
Watch for Swallowing: Look and listen for signs of active swallowing (a soft “kah” sound) to ensure they are effectively transferring milk.
Getting a deep and comfortable latch with a nipple shield can take a little practice. This guide breaks down the process into simple steps to help you and your baby feed effectively.
For a visual demonstration, you can watch our video tutorial.
Step 1: Prepare and Apply the Shield Correctly
Before you begin, ensure the shield is clean. Express a few drops of your milk into the tip of the shield to encourage your baby to latch. Moisten the brim with water to help it stick, then turn the shield partially inside out (like a sombrero), centre it over your nipple, and flip it onto the breast to create a gentle seal.
Step 2: Position Your Baby for a Deep Latch
Hold your baby close, with their whole body facing you (“tummy-to-mummy”). Their head, neck, and back should be in a straight line. Position them so their nose is level with your nipple.
Step 3: Encourage a Wide, Open Mouth
Support your baby across their shoulders, allowing their head to tilt back freely. Encourage them to open their mouth wide by tickling their top lip with the tip of the nipple shield. Wait for a big, wide “yawn-like” gape.
Step 4: Bring Your Baby to the Breast
As soon as their mouth is wide open, bring your baby swiftly onto the breast, aiming the tip of the nipple shield towards the roof of their mouth. Their chin should touch your breast first. Remember to bring the baby to the breast, not the breast to the baby.
Step 5: Check the Attachment and Look for Swallowing
Once latched, check for signs of a deep and effective attachment:
Your baby’s mouth should be wide open, covering a large part of the areola, not just the shield.
Their chin should be firmly pressed into your breast.
Their lips should be flanged outwards (though this can be harder to see with a shield).
Most importantly, look and listen for rhythmic sucking and swallowing, indicating they are actively transferring milk.
You’re ready to transition away from shields, great! Here are a few things to consider:
* Try latching baby without a shield from the start or remove it partway through a feed.
* Be consistent and patient; try when the baby is less hungry or sleepy.
* Some babies may need only one or two sessions practice without shields, while others may need to use longer term whilst problems are resolved to enable latching on the breast is optimum.
* Sometimes as baby learns new skills. They will latch without the shield for a short while but then want the shield back. This is fine and may be part of the transition away from shields for some babies.
* It is not advised to cut down a shield for weaning, please avoid this method.
