Nipple shields are thin, flexible silicone devices placed over the nipple and areola during breastfeeding. They serve as a temporary aid for various challenges, such as difficulties with a baby’s latch, flat or inverted nipples, or to help soothe sore nipples. While these shields can be beneficial for establishing or continuing breastfeeding, many parents wonder if their use might negatively affect milk supply. This concern is understandable, as efficient milk removal and nipple stimulation are important for maintaining lactation.
How Nipple Shields Function
A nipple shield is designed to fit over the nipple, creating a firmer, more defined target for a baby to latch onto. Made from thin, transparent silicone, it features a cone-shaped tip with small holes that allow milk to flow through. The base of the shield rests on the areola, with some designs having cut-outs to increase skin-to-skin contact.
For infants who have difficulty suckling effectively or those with conditions like a poor suck reflex or prematurity, the shield can offer a more stable surface. It essentially acts as an extension of the nipple, making it easier for the baby to draw the breast tissue into their mouth and initiate sucking.
Understanding Milk Supply Concerns
Concerns about nipple shield use and milk supply stem from two main mechanisms. First, the shield acts as a barrier, potentially reducing the direct stimulation to the nipple and areola. This stimulation is crucial for triggering the release of hormones like oxytocin and prolactin, which are responsible for milk ejection and production.
Second, a nipple shield might make it harder for the baby to remove milk efficiently from the breast. If the breast is not thoroughly emptied during feedings, it can signal the body to produce less milk over time. Studies indicate that milk transfer might be reduced when using a shield, with some older research showing significant decreases, though newer, thinner silicone shields may lessen this effect. The impact on milk supply is not universal and depends on factors such as the shield’s proper fit, how effectively the baby is sucking, and the overall frequency and duration of feedings.
Strategies for Effective Feeding with Nipple Shields
To minimize potential impact on milk supply when using a nipple shield, several strategies can be employed. Ensuring the shield is the correct size is important; it should fit comfortably over the nipple without compressing it, and the nipple should not touch the tip of the shield. Moistening the shield’s edges with water or breastmilk before application can help create a better seal and keep it in place.
Encouraging a deep latch with the shield, where the baby’s mouth covers both the shield and a portion of the areola, helps optimize milk transfer. Observing signs of effective feeding, such as audible swallowing and the baby appearing satisfied after a feed, is important. Monitoring the baby’s intake through wet and soiled diaper counts and regular weight checks can provide reassurance that they are getting enough milk. Pumping after some feeding sessions, particularly in the early days, can help ensure complete breast emptying and stimulate milk production. When appropriate, gradually transitioning the baby off the shield by offering the bare breast for short periods or removing the shield mid-feed can encourage direct breastfeeding.
Seeking Expert Support
Seeking professional guidance is important for addressing any concerns related to nipple shield use. Persistent nipple pain or damage despite using the shield may indicate an improper fit or latch issue. Insufficient weight gain in the baby or a noticeable decrease in wet or soiled diapers are clear indicators that milk transfer might be inadequate.
Ongoing worries about milk supply, even after implementing various strategies, warrant consultation with a healthcare provider. An International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) can assess the individual situation, confirm proper shield usage, and help identify the root cause of breastfeeding challenges. They can offer personalized advice, adjust feeding techniques, and develop a plan to support milk supply and eventually transition off the shield if desired.