Is it difficult to breastfeed your baby? Shall we talk about a Nipple Shield? (Nipple Shield)

One of the greatest joys of being a new mother is breastfeeding your own child. But sometimes this is not as easy as you think. When your baby cries without sucking properly, and your nipples are sore and sore, you feel a lot of sadness and anxiety. Are you also going through a similar experience? If so, don't worry. This is not something that happens to you alone. Today we are going to talk about a device that can help in times like these.

What is this Nipple Shield?

Simply put, a Nipple Shield is a very thin, flexible silicone cover that you wear over your nipple. It's like a little cap that you put on your nipple. It's shaped to cover your nipple and the dark skin around it (the areola). At the end, right where your baby's mouth goes, there are tiny holes to allow milk to come out.

Some nipple shields have a small section cut out on one side to increase skin-to-skin contact between you and your baby. This is very important.

So should I use a Nipple Shield too?

Here's the important thing. A nipple shield is not something you should use every day. It's just a temporary solution . You shouldn't rush out and buy a nipple shield as soon as you have a breastfeeding problem. Because if you do, you may be hiding the real cause of your problem.

They will find out exactly why you are having trouble breastfeeding. Then they will tell you what to do about it. Sometimes, among the solutions, they may also advise you to use a Nipple Shield for a while. If that is the case, they will also give you a plan for how to wean your baby from it from the beginning. They will also check your baby's weight regularly to make sure that he is getting the nutrition he needs.

In what situations does a Nipple Shield help?

A nipple shield is a device that helps your baby latch on to your breast properly. If your baby is latching on properly, you won't feel any pain and your baby will get enough milk. It's when your baby latches on incorrectly that your nipples become sore and injured.

See the table below for situations where a Nipple Shield may be helpful.

When a Nipple Shield Doesn't Help

In some cases, using this is not helpful.

• For babies born prematurely.
• In the case of tongue-tie/ankyloglossia.
• If you have a low milk supply.
• If you have a breast infection (mastitis).

Since the causes of these things are different, a Nipple Shield will not solve them.

How to use a Nipple Shield properly?

First, choose the right size.

Nipple Shields come in different sizes. It is important to choose the right size for your nipple. The nipple should fit snugly inside the shield, without hitting the sides or being pinched. If you are unsure about the right size, ask your doctor.

How to apply the Nipple Shield to the breast

1. First, wash your hands thoroughly with soap.

2. While folding the edge around the shield up, turn the tip inward. This will create a small crease at the tip.

3. Place your nipple exactly in the middle of the hole.

4. Now fold the folded edge back down and press it firmly against the dark part of the breast (areola).

5. To ensure the shield sticks well, you can apply a little water or your favorite nipple cream around the edges.

When the baby sucks milk, his mouth should be opened wide enough to accommodate not only the tip of the shield, but also the area around it.

What are the benefits and risks of the Nipple Shield?

To be honest, doctors only recommend using a nipple shield if absolutely necessary, because it has its risks.

How do you remove a baby from a Nipple Shield?

This is the ultimate goal. You can't use the Nipple Shield all the time. You need to work out a plan with your doctor. Here are some tips:

• Start feeding the baby before he gets too hungry and fussy.
• Go to a quiet, comfortable place before breastfeeding.
• First, try putting the baby to the breast without the Nipple Shield. The baby may start to suckle on its own.
• While breastfeeding, try removing the shield when the baby is sucking well.
• When switching from one breast to the other, try to feed without the shield.
• Trying to undress the baby while he is still a little sleepy may be successful.

This is not something that can be done all at once. You have to be patient and try little by little.

How do you clean the Nipple Shield?

Before using for the first time, sterilize by boiling in hot water for about 15 minutes. Then, wash thoroughly with hot water and soap after each use . Let it dry completely before using again.