Becoming a mother is one of the most beautiful experiences in life. Likewise, breastfeeding your newborn baby is a very special bonding experience. But sometimes breastfeeding is not as easy as you think. Problems like sore nipples, cracked nipples, and baby not latching properly can arise. If you have any of these problems, you may have heard of something called a 'nipple shield'. Today, we'll talk about what it really is, whether you should use it, and what it does.
Simply put, what is this Nipple Shield?
A nipple shield is a small, thin, flexible silicone cover that you place over your nipple. It's shaped like a hat. It has a base that covers the dark skin around your nipple (areola), and a cone-shaped part that goes inside your nipple. The cone-shaped part has small holes at the end that allow the milk to pass into your baby's mouth when your baby sucks. Some nipple shields also have a small cutout so that your baby and you can have skin-to-skin contact.
The important thing is that a Nipple Shield is not a solution to every breastfeeding problem. It is only a temporary help.
Should I use a nipple shield?
This is a very important question. Don't rush out and buy a Nipple Shield every time you feel like you're having trouble breastfeeding. Because, most of the time, it only helps with the symptoms temporarily, and doesn't solve the root cause of the problem.
It's best to talk to your doctor or a lactation consultant before using a nipple shield.
They will find out exactly why you are having difficulty breastfeeding. Then they will tell you what can be done about it. They may also advise you to use a nipple shield temporarily . If so, they will give you a clear plan for how long to use it and how to gradually wean your baby off it. They will also check your baby's weight regularly to make sure he is getting the nutrition he needs.
What situations does a Nipple Shield help with?
A nipple shield is mainly used to help when your baby has difficulty latching on to the breast. When your baby latches on properly, he or she will be able to drink all the milk from your breast and feel full. When your baby latches on incorrectly, your nipples will hurt.
Let's look at the table below to see when a Nipple Shield may or may not help.
| Status | Can a Nipple Shield help? |
|---|---|
| Your nipples are short, flat, or inverted. | Yes. The Nipple Shield makes the nipple a little longer and firmer, making it easier for the baby to latch on. However, sometimes the nipples can also become flat due to engorgement. There are other treatments for that. |
| The baby needs stimulation to start sucking. | Yes. When the nipple, which is extended by the Nipple Shield, hits the roof of the baby's mouth, the sucking reflex is stimulated, which is what the baby needs to suckle. |
| If your nipples are sore, cracked, or bleeding due to improper latching | Temporarily yes. This may help reduce the pain until the wounds heal. But in the meantime, it is essential to get the baby latched on properly. |
| When weaning a baby from a bottle to the breast | Maybe yes. A baby who is used to the feel of a bottle nipple may find it difficult to suddenly adjust to the breast. This can be helpful during that transition period. |
| When a Nipple Shield Usually Doesn't Help | |
| Premature babies or babies with tongue-tie/ankyloglossia | No. Cases like this require other specialized medical treatments. |
| If you have a low milk supply or breast infection (mastitis) | No. Using a nipple shield can make these conditions worse. |
How to use a nipple shield correctly?
First, you need to choose the right size Nipple Shield for you. Your nipple should fit snugly, not pinched into the cone-shaped part, and not on either side. Your doctor will help you with this.
How to attach to the breast:
1. First, fold the base of the Nipple Shield in half to the other side. This will create a small dimple at the tip.
2. Insert your nipple into that dimple.
3. Now, turn the silicone base over and apply it to the skin around your nipple (areola).
4. To make sure it sticks well to the skin, you can apply a little water or nipple cream around the edge.
When it's properly fitted, your nipple should be completely inside the cone-shaped part.
How do you know if the baby is latched properly?
When the baby is properly positioned on the Nipple Shield, the baby's mouth should be wide open, not only around the nipple, but also around the base. If the baby is only sucking on the tip, it is not working properly.
How do you know it's working?
- If the baby looks happy and full after drinking milk.
- If you hear the sound of the baby swallowing milk when he sucks.
- If there are at least 6 wet nappies a day, this is a good way to know if your baby is getting enough milk.
Advantages and disadvantages of using a nipple shield
Like anything, there are pros and cons to this, but most of the time the cons outweigh the pros.
| Disadvantages |
|---|
| - Once the baby gets used to it, it can be difficult to wean it off. The baby can become addicted to it. - The skin-to-skin contact between you and your baby decreases. - Most importantly: The amount of milk your baby receives through a Nipple Shield may be less than if you were to breastfeed directly. This may reduce your baby's weight gain and your milk supply. |
| Advantages |
| - The baby gets extra time and help to learn to suckle properly. - You can continue breastfeeding until your sore nipples heal. - In some cases, this helps prevent the need to stop breastfeeding completely and switch to formula milk. |
If you use a Nipple Shield, your doctor may also recommend that you pump your breasts after feeding your baby to completely empty them and stimulate more milk production.
How to wean a baby from a Nipple Shield?
Remember, this is only a short-term solution . Your doctor will give you a plan to wean your baby off it from the start. The longer you use it, the harder it will be to wean.
Here are some tips:
- Try to breastfeed without the nipple shield during times when your baby is sucking best.
- Pump a little before you start breastfeeding and then put the baby to the breast after the milk has let down.
- Breastfeed in a quiet place, away from noise and distractions.
- Always hold your baby and provide skin-to-skin contact without a nipple shield.
- During breastfeeding, try removing the Nipple Shield every now and then when your baby is latching on well.
- Feed your baby before he or she is very hungry. Babies are more fussy when they are hungry.
- Try to remove the Nipple Shield when your baby is falling asleep or drowsy.
You should always seek medical advice.
Don't hesitate to see a doctor if you have any problems with breastfeeding, especially in cases like these:
- If you feel pain while breastfeeding.
- If your nipples are cracked, sore, or bleeding.
- If the baby doesn't want to drink milk and is constantly fussing.
- If the baby's latch is shallow (only sucking on the tip of the nipple) or if there are other latching problems.
- If you have any questions about using or removing the Nipple Shield.
Remember: If your baby is using fewer than 6 wet diapers a day, it could be a sign that he is not getting enough milk or is dehydrated. In such a case, see a pediatrician immediately.
Take-Home Message
- A nipple shield is only a temporary solution for breastfeeding problems. It is not a permanent solution.
- Never start using a Nipple Shield without the advice of a doctor or lactation specialist .
- While using a Nipple Shield, it is essential to identify the root cause of the problem (e.g., a faulty latch) and try to correct it.
- Keep an eye on your baby's weight gain and the number of wet diapers he or she has per day. If you notice any changes, contact your doctor immediately.
- From the day you start using a Nipple Shield, talk to your doctor about a weaning plan.
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