Nipple Shields, Help! a quick guide with videos
Lactation Consultant Nikki Mather talks about using a nipple shield in this easy guide. You will find videos and information to help you on your feeding journey below. Scroll down to skip to the video tutorials.
Nipple shields are one of the 'love 'em or hate 'em' tools of infant feeding support. They should be used under the guidance of a Lactation Consultant or skilled infant feeding specialist who understand their complexities.
Some people manage to avoid the pitfalls and gain the benefits of using them. Others find things even more challenging and sometimes they hinder rather than help a situation.
Reach out for support from an infant feeding specialist midwife, Lactation Consultant or breastfeeding counsellor if you think you need nipple shieldsWhat are nipple shields & when should I use them?
What is a Nipple Shield?
Nipple shields are a thin silicone teat worn over the nipple during feeding.
When to use a nipple shield:
– If you have challenges attaching baby to the breast due to sleepiness or illness.
– You have additional challenges like prematurity or difficulty maintaining a latch
– You may have sore nipples which make attaching your baby challenging.
– If your baby has tongue tie or other challenges related to oral dysfunction.
Potential challenges whilst using a nipple shield:
- Reduced milk transfer to the baby.
- Potential for reduced breast stimulation and milk supply.
- Interference with proper attachment, leading to issues like blocked ducts and mastitis.
- Challenges in weaning from the shield.
- Possible loss of confidence in direct breastfeeding
“Nipple Shield use under the guidance of a Lactation Consultant or infant feeding specialist can be game-changing for parents and babies experiencing some feeding challenges”
The Baby Element – Nikki Mather IBCLC
When are nipple shields recommended?
– If your baby is not latching, your nipples may be super sore.
– Your baby may be premature and need some extra help attaching.
– Other reasons may include a tongue tie, or switching from a bottle to breastfeeding.
Finding some help with positioning and attachment should be the first thing to optimise before exploring nipple shields. You might try ‘exaggerated attachment’, shaping breast tissue for deeper attachment.
You could also try a ‘laid back’ position, and use fingers or a pump for flat or inverted nipples.
Prioritising skin-to-skin time with your baby in your aim to latch successfully can also help.
Finding the right kind of support
Seek skilled breastfeeding support; consult your local Lactation Consultant or breastfeeding counsellor for a plan to support you. It is important to do this so you can avoid some of the challenges noted above whilst using nipple shields.
Using a Nipple Shield – Quick Steps:
Where to Buy: Nipple shields are available in stores and online. They may be sold individually or in pairs, with varying shapes and sizes from a variety of brands.
Choosing the Right Size: Measure nipple according to manufacturers instructions (commonly found on their website), and select a small, medium, or large size according to this guide. You may find each breast needs a different size nipple shield.
How to fit the Nipple Shield:
See the video below on how to put a nipple shield on.
- Hold the shield’s edges between your fingers and thumbs.
- Turn the shield half way in on itself.
- Place the shield over the nipple, attach securely onto the breast.
- Release the shield, creating a slight vacuum to draw the nipple into the teat.
- Ensure your baby has a good, deep attachment to the breast while using the shield.
How to feed your baby using a nipple shield:
Position and attachment guidance for feeding your baby at the breast, also applies when using a shield.
A laid back position may help, or you can gently guide baby onto the breast using the shield. Ensure baby's chin is in contact with the breast and the nipple pointing up nostrils. It may look as though it is WAY TOO BIG for this task! As the video below shows, it can work if positioning is optimised.
See this second nipple shield video below for a nipple shield attachment example.
cleaning and storage
Cleaning and storing nipple shields: Clean and sterilize nipple shields before first use. After each use, wash with hot soapy water, rinse, dry thoroughly, and store in a clean, dry container.
Duration of use: Use nipple shields for the shortest period necessary as you and your baby gain breastfeeding expertise. If your baby is gaining weight well, there’s no rush to wean from the shield. Continue accessing breastfeeding support services as needed. Investigate the reasons why your baby cannot latch to the breast without nipple shields.
weaning from nipple shields
- Some babies may need only one or two sessions with shields, while others may need more.
- Try latching baby without a shield from the start or remove it partway through a feed.
- It is not advised to cut down a shield for weaning, please avoid this method.
- Be consistent and patient; try when the baby is less hungry or sleepy.
- 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.
- Seek support if needed.