Using Nipple Shields: How, Why and When
Babies mouths and women’s breasts are designed to work together, transferring milk from the mother to the infant efficiently and effectively. However, sometimes the fit between breast and baby isn’t optimal. Some nipples are short, tight, or inverted and some babies have restricted tongues, shallow jaws or just need to grow a bit more. Sleepy babies, pre-term babies or those with other challenges might need some assistance.
If your baby’s attachment hasn’t improved despite trying different techniques and recieving support from professionals, a nipple shield might be suggested.
What exactly is a nipple shield?
Modern nipple shields are very different to the ones your mum or grandmother might remember. Today they are thin, clear silicone which is less likely to impact your milk supply as they are shaped to maximise contact between the babies face and the skin of the breast. A nipple shield acts as an extension of the breast, allowing the baby to draw the nipple further into their mouth and hold the breast more effectively in their mouth.
Before latching
After latching with the shield in place
Putting on a nipple shield:
1. Apply a few drops of breastmilk inside the shield to prevent rubbing and enhance the seal with your breast.
2. Dab breastmilk onto the tip of the shield's holes to encourage the baby to latch.
3. Gently stretch the brim of the shield outward as you apply it to your breast. .
4. Position the shield centrally over your nipple and breast, allowing some tissue to be drawn into the crown as you release the stretch.
5. Align any cut-outs with your baby's chin and nose contact points.
6. Flatten the shield's brim over your breast and secure it with your fingers.
7. Ensure a small space between your nipple and the shield's crown; if your nipple touches the crown, the shield may be too small.
8. Direct the shield's crown towards your baby's nose and encourage them to open wide, guiding the shield towards the roof of their mouth as they latch on.
A well-positioned shield should sit against your skin and not move during feeds
If the shield loses contact with your skin you might need to apply some breastmilk to your skin to help it
If the shield is moving as your baby sucks, unlatch and apply it to the breast again
At first it takes time to get everything in place but with practice you will quickly gain this new skill
Weaning off nipple shields
In the past, there was a sense of urgency to wean babies off nipple shields as soon as possible, due to concerns about milk supply. Thick rubber products used before silicone became available prevented good skin to skin contact, reducing the let-down response and the hormonal release which stimulates production.
Modern products are less likely to cause problems and can be used until mother and baby are ready to discontinue use. This might be weeks or even months. Some babies will not go on to breastfeed without the shield, while others will spontaneously latch without it one day and never go back to using them. Although inconvenient, many mothers are happy to go on using them rather than risk their breastfeeding relationship by trying to wean off them. There is no right way, just the best way for those involved.
Success! After six months using the shield, she spontaneously latched without it
Transitioning away from a nipple shield can seem challenging, Seeking guidance from a breastfeeding counselor or lactation consultant can be invaluable. Here are some strategies to help with the process:
1. Introduce feeds without the nipple shield partway through breastfeeding sessions.
2. Maximize skin-to-skin contact between you and your baby to encourage instinctive breastfeeding. Try baby-led attachment.
3. Offer breastfeeds immediately upon your baby waking, attempting without the shield.
4. Experiment with breastfeeding while walking around.
5. Prior to breastfeeding, express a few drops of breast milk onto your nipple.
6. Respond promptly to your baby's feeding cues.
7. Be patient and persistent in attempting to breastfeed without the shield, but don't force it if your baby becomes upset. Try again later and utilize the shield as needed in the meantime.
Two years later ….
