If you use a nipple shield, it’s important that you follow breastfeeding guidelines and visit your healthcare provider regularly. You should also have your baby weighed often to make sure they’re gaining a healthy amount of weight.
A nipple shield is an effective way to help new mothers establish breastfeeding with infants who have trouble latching or are unable to keep the milk down. They can be helpful for babies with flat or inverted nipples, tongue-tie (due to prematurity or other conditions), a problem with the tongue/latching mechanism that is not responsive to corrections, or with severe nipple pain.
Studies have shown that nipple shields can help prevent poor suck, low milk supply, and nipple trauma. They can also be used to help with breast engorgement or as a temporary solution while you work on fixing a nipple problem. It’s a good idea to try to wean your baby off the shield as soon as possible to avoid prolonged or excessive use. Some babies have a harder time transitioning off the shield than others.
You can encourage your baby to start sucking while wearing the nipple shield by placing some nipple ointment on the outside of the tip of the shield or adding expressed milk into the tip before you place it on your breast. It’s also a good idea to soak or rinse the shield in hot water before using it and to wash it thoroughly after each use. nipple shield breastfeeding