You’ve probably heard a lot of conflicting things about nipple shields...

Some women will tell you that nipple shields completely saved their breastfeeding experience.

Some might even recommend you add them to your baby registry and make sure to have a few shields on hand when your baby is born.

Other women will tell you that nipple shields didn’t really help at all, or caused more problems than they’re worth.

Some lactation consultants or breastfeeding helpers will even tell you never to go near a nipple shield, and that they can flat out ruin your chances of successful breastfeeding.

This is all super confusing, huh?

While nipple shields are not the answer for every breastfeeding dyad, the truth is that they are not all good nor not all bad. 

They can be really helpful when it comes to certain breastfeeding challenges. But they need to be used responsibly, smartly, with care, and preferably under the supervision of a breastfeeding helper.

Let’s demystify nipple shields once and for all!

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What Are Nipple Shields?

Nipple shields are thin nipple-shaped pieces of silicone that can be stretched over the nipple while breastfeeding. There are several openings on the nipple of the shield for breast milk to flow through. 

They come in different sizes and shapes, and it's important that you find a shield that works best for you and your baby. 

Nipple shields are not meant to be a long-term solution for breastfeeding challenges: they are meant to help you get your non-latching baby breastfeeding, so that you can work on latching issues in the meantime.

Using A Nipple Shield With A Newborn

You want to find a shield that fits snugly around your nipple, but which isn’t too tight. 

A too tightly fitted nipple shield can cause nipple pain and may restrict your milk flow, potentially causing clogged ducts or mastitis. 

If the shield is too big, they may only be able to latch onto the end of the nipple, which will not allow them to properly extract milk from the breast.  

The shield also needs to fit your baby’s mouth. Your baby should be able to latch deeply onto your breast with the shield in place. 

When applying the nipple shield, you can gently turn it inside out so that you can press your nipple as far into it as possible. Make sure your nipple is centered in the shield. Then smooth it over your nipple. You can add breast milk to the edges of the shield so that it stays in place.

When latching, you want to encourage your baby to latch deeply on the shield, as they would on the breast. Hold your baby belly to belly with you and have them tip their head back before latching to get a good mouthful. You can encourage them to latch by applying some breast milk to the end of the shield’s nipple.

Sometimes nipple shields make it harder for your baby to get enough milk. 

If you end up using a shield for more than a few breastfeeding sessions, it’s very important that you monitor your baby’s growth. 

You can check their wet and poopy diapers, but also schedule frequent visits to the pediatrician for weight checks. 

Deep latching, breast compression, and frequent feeding will help, but make sure to monitor your baby’s weight to make sure they are getting enough.

 Whenever possible, it’s best to use a nipple shield under the care and continued guidance of your lactation consultant. They can help you make sure your baby is getting enough, troubleshoot any issues, and help you wean from the shield.

When Are Nipple Shields Useful?

There are a few situations where nipple shields—when used smartly and for limited time periods—can be very helpful.

Nipple shields can be used as last ditch efforts anytime a baby is having trouble with latching, despite attempts at positioning, nipple shaping, and other latching techniques.

 The idea is that you want to try everything else first, but if your baby isn’t breastfeeding at all and a nipple shield works, then you should consider that a win. 

Breastfeeding without a shield is always preferable, but if the nipple shield is the only way to get your baby to breast, then you can feel confident that that’s a good choice.

Here are some situations where nipple shields can come in handy:

• For flat or inverted nipples

• For premature babies whose sucking reflexes aren’t fully developed

• For baby with sucking issues or weak sucks

• For any baby who needs extra stimulus to promote sucking

Should Nipple Shields Be Used For Sore Nipples? 

Nipple shields should NOT be used for sore nipples.

They’re not meant to protect your damaged nipples while breastfeeding, and they should not cause sore nipples (if they’re causing sore nipples, the fit may not be right and/or your baby might need latching help).

Sometimes nipple shields are confused with breast shells, which are used in between feedings to protect sore nipples as they make contact with your shirt or bra. Nipple shields are different and are used to help babies who are having difficulty latching.

Weaning Off A Nipple Shield

One of the biggest drawbacks of using a nipple shield is that it can be difficult to wean your baby from the shield, especially if they’ve been using it for many weeks. Remember that nipple shields are not meant to be long-term solutions, but rather “bridges” to get your baby to nurse full-time from the breast. 

Some simple ways to initiate weaning from nipple shields include:

• Starting a nursing session with the shield and removing it halfway through or when you switch breasts

• Encouraging deep latching and gently shaping nipple as your baby latches

• Enticing your baby to the breast by squeezing some milk onto your nipple, and compressing your breast during feeding to reward your baby with milk

If your baby is having trouble accepting the breast without a shield, there are a few tricks you can try:

• Pump a little to get milk flowing and so that your nipple becomes firmer and more elongated

• Gently massage your nipple between your fingers before latching or try icing your nipple make it firmer and more elongated

• Try nursing skin-to-skin

• Try different nursing positions

• Nurse your baby while in motion

• Nurse your baby when they are half asleep or just waking up

• Don’t wait till your baby is starving to try latching; wait till they are calm and relaxed

• Let them use the nipple as comfort or as a pacifier and then gradually introduce more nutritive sucking

If you have issues weaning from the shield, get help from a lactation consultant. There may be an underlying condition that is making it difficult for your baby to transition from the shield.

Permanently Using Nipple Shields

 It’s rare that a baby can’t eventually wean from the nipple shield. But it does happen. In most cases, it’s better to continue nursing with the shield rather than switching to bottles or formula. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it, right?

If you end up needing to use the nipple shield on a long term basis, it’s important to keep careful check of your baby’s weight gain.

And you never know, you might just forget to take the nipple shield with you one day when you go out, and you and your baby will just figure out how to nurse without it!

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