A nipple shield is a thin, flexible device typically made of soft, medical-grade silicone that is placed over the nipple and areola during breastfeeding. This tool is designed as a temporary measure to help a baby latch onto the breast when difficulties arise, providing a firmer, more consistent target for the infant’s mouth. Modern shields feature a cone-shaped nipple section with tiny holes at the tip, allowing milk to flow through to the baby. When used correctly, a shield can be a valuable aid in overcoming short-term feeding challenges.
What Nipple Shields Are and Specific Reasons for Use
The physical design involves a protective base that covers the areola and a projecting teat with small openings for milk transfer. These devices are ultra-thin and flexible, which helps maximize skin-to-skin contact between the baby and the mother’s breast. Shields are available in various diameters, commonly ranging from 16 to 28 millimeters, and professional fitting is necessary to ensure the correct size for effective milk transfer and comfort.
Nipple shields are recommended by lactation professionals for specific reasons relating to both maternal anatomy and infant feeding challenges. One common maternal indication is the presence of flat or inverted nipples, where the shield provides a more stable structure for the baby to grasp. They may also be used temporarily to manage severe nipple trauma or pain, providing a protective barrier while the underlying latch issue is being corrected and tissue heals.
Infant-related challenges often center on an uncoordinated suck or an inability to maintain a deep, effective latch. Premature infants, who may have underdeveloped sucking reflexes, often benefit from the shield’s firm stimulus at the roof of their mouth, which can encourage a stronger suckle. The shield can also be a helpful bridge for babies accustomed to the shape of a bottle teat, easing their transition back to the breast by offering a familiar sensation.
Proper Techniques for Application and Hygiene
Hygiene and Sterilization
Before using a nipple shield for the first time, it should be cleaned and sterilized according to the manufacturer’s instructions, often involving boiling or using a microwave sterilizer. For subsequent use, the shield must be washed thoroughly in hot, soapy water immediately after each feeding session. A complete rinse and air-drying are necessary before storing the shield in a clean, covered container.
Application Technique
To apply the shield, first moisten the rim with water or expressed milk, which helps create a seal against the skin. Next, turn the rim of the shield almost inside out, stretching it slightly so the center cone pops up. This technique allows the mother to center the shield directly over the nipple. The nipple is drawn into the teat section when the edges are smoothed down onto the areola.
A small amount of expressed breast milk can be placed inside the tip or on the outside of the shield before latching the baby to encourage suckling and initiate milk flow. When the baby latches, their mouth should cover the brim of the shield and a portion of the areola, with the chin pressing into the breast. This deep latch is important to ensure the breast is being effectively stimulated and drained, not just the tip of the shield being sucked.
Monitoring Milk Intake and Discontinuation
When a baby feeds with a nipple shield, it is important to monitor their milk intake, as the barrier can sometimes reduce the efficiency of milk transfer or the stimulation needed to sustain supply. Parents should closely track the baby’s output, noting the number of wet and dirty diapers each day, and ensure the baby is gaining weight appropriately through regular checks with a healthcare provider. If the baby is feeding effectively, the tip of the shield should contain milk at the end of the session.
Maintaining Supply
To help maintain a robust milk supply while using a shield, a mother may be advised to use breast compressions during the feed to increase milk flow. If the breasts still feel full after a feeding session, pumping for a few minutes can help ensure complete drainage and proper milk production signaling. Consistent skin-to-skin contact is also beneficial, as it promotes milk production and helps the baby practice latching without the barrier.
Transitioning Off the Shield
The goal is to eventually discontinue the shield, as it is intended to be a temporary aid. To transition the baby back to the bare nipple, mothers can first try removing the shield mid-feed, once the baby is actively swallowing and the milk flow is established. Offering the breast without the shield when the baby is sleepy or calm, such as during a night feeding, can also be an effective way to encourage a direct latch.