The nipple shield is a breastfeeding aid that helps women who are having trouble latching on and nursing. It is also sometimes used by mothers who are having issues with nipple pain or milk supply to help them stay on track for breastfeeding their babies. However, using a nipple shield is not a long-term solution for breastfeeding problems and may cause nipple pain or even reduced supply in the long run. It is important to work with a qualified breastfeeding support person and to establish a feeding method that works best for you and your baby.
A nipple shield is a small, soft, spherical piece of cloth that is designed to mimic the shape of your nipples. It is worn during breastfeeding to prevent the infant from slipping off of the nipple after they are latched and it can also help to stimulate the suck reflex in preterm infants. It can also be used to help mothers with flat or inverted nipples who experience latching difficulties.
Many mothers report that nipple shields are effective for addressing breastfeeding hurdles such as difficulty with the initial latch, poor or ineffective sucking, pain and nipple soreness. However, a mother’s perception of her infant’s ease or discomfort at the breast plays a significant role in her decision to use a nipple shield (Powers and Tapia, 2004).
While nipple shields can be helpful, it is important to note that they are not a permanent solution for breastfeeding hurdles. Some infants may become dependent on the use of a nipple shield and continue to need it despite the presence of other obstacles such as poor latching or difficulty with breastfeeding. When this occurs, it is recommended that the mother consult with a certified lactation consultant and to offer skin-to-skin nursing before attempting to latch without the nipple shield. nipple shield breastfeeding