In plain words
A nipple shield is a thin silicone cover with a flared base. The mother wears it over her nipple during a feed. The baby sucks on the shield instead of directly on the nipple. Lactation consultants use shields when latching is very painful, when a baby has trouble staying on the breast, or when a nipple is sore and needs time to heal. Shields are usually a short-term step. They can reduce how much milk the baby gets if used for a long time, and some babies find the flow harder to manage. The cause of the latch problem is still addressed while the shield is used. Mothers may hear about shields from a hospital or lactation team.
The deeper version
Nipple shields are used to bridge the period while the underlying cause of poor latch is treated. Their effect on is variable. Studies that measured milk transfer through shields have generally found it reduced compared with direct breastfeeding, with wide variation between infants and small samples. The shield can also alter the infant's tongue position and the mother's supply through reduced stimulation. Shield use is therefore usually paired with a , a check of shield size, and a plan for weaning off the shield.
Where it comes up
- Getting a deep latchFeeding Your Baby
- Nipple pain, cracks, and healingPostpartum: Your Body
- Nipple shields: when they help, how to wean offFeeding Your Baby
- Flange sizingFeeding Your Baby
- Combo feeding: breast and formulaFeeding Your Baby
What mothers here say about nipple shield
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Sources
- Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine — Clinical Protocol #26: Managing nipple pain and damage