Nipple Shields
Nipple shields seem to be a somewhat divisive topic in the lactation community. Some consultants hate them and others hand them out like candy.
My opinion is that a nipple shield can be a great tool in some cases! And in other cases, a shield can serve as a bandaid to a problem and doesn’t address the root cause of the issues that are going on.
Many parents are handed a nipple shield in the hospital with no instructions for use and no follow-up. If you are using a nipple shield, an IBCLC should show you how to use it and explain why it is being recommended AND should go over how to wean off of it (if you are able to and want to).
What is a nipple shield?
A nipple shield is a piece of soft silicone with a few holes in it that is worn over the nipple while you are breastfeeding.
One thing that some people don’t know is that there are many brands of nipple shields! If you get one in the hospital, chances are it is the Medela shield, but there are others. And they come in different sizes and shapes and even have different numbers of holes. For example, the Medela shield is more pointy but some other brands make styles that are more rounded.
Who might benefit from using a shield?
In the simplest of terms, shields can be helpful for babies who are having trouble latching. The important thing is to get to the bottom of WHY the baby is having trouble.
Is the baby having trouble because of a simple fix like some positioning modifications at the breast? Is he having trouble because of a tongue tie? Is mom’s breast so engorged that it is making it difficult to latch on? Has the baby been mostly bottle fed and is trying to transition to the breast?
As you can see, there are many different reasons why a baby might be having trouble, so the solution of “just use a nipple shield” is not entirely helpful advice. For example, the plan of care would be different for a baby with a tongue tie than it would for a baby who is learning to nurse after being bottle fed.
Be Aware
In most instances, people start using the nipple shield because baby is having trouble latching. Because of the barrier of silicone between baby’s mouth and your nipple, often times a poor latch doesn’t feel as bad to mom as it would without the shield. And because of the shape, it’s easy to let baby suck on it like a straw instead of encouraging a wide open mouth.
So it is extremely important to continue to work on the basics of a deep latch while using the shield and to protect your milk supply while doing so. If baby is not feeding effectively with the shield, your supply will decrease over time.
The Bottom Line
As you can see, there are many factors to consider when choosing a nipple shield and when using one! Using a nipple shield while breastfeeding can be helpful for some people but you will be most successful if you work with an IBCLC who can help make a personalized plan for you while addressing the issues that are at the root of why your baby is having trouble latching.
If you are using a nipple shield and need some help, let me know!
Jess