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Breastfeeding has a lot of stigma around it. It’s seen as one of the best ways to nourish your little one, providing essential nutrients, immune support, and a sense of comfort and bonding. But no journey is the same, and not all are enjoyable!
Anyone who has tried breastfeeding knows it doesn’t always come easy. Challenges like sore nipples, a baby who struggles with latching, or concerns about milk supply can make the journey feel stressful and overwhelming. That’s where a nipple shield can come in as a helpful tool, when used correctly. Personally, I wouldn’t have been able to nurse without one, so I’m definitely pro-nipple shield.
In this post, I’m sharing a detailed guide on how to support breastfeeding while keeping the experience safe and effective. The secret ingredient? Nipple shields. Let’s go!
How To Use A Nipple Shield: A Guide For Breastfeeding Moms
Understanding what a nipple shield is and how it works can make all the difference in nursing success. To help with this, I’ve created a guide to walk you through the ins and outs of using one! We’ll cover when they’re helpful, how to position them properly, and helpful tips for making sure your milk supply continues to meet your baby’s needs. Using this tool correctly can help your little one get the milk they need while giving you confidence and comfort you deserve.
What Is A Nipple Shield?
A nipple shield is a thin, silicone object that forms a protective layer over your nipple for feeding. It features a small, teardrop-shaped opening, allowing your baby to drink, protecting your nipple, and making latching easier. Nipple shields are genuinely considered safe when used under the guidance of a lactation consultant.
This is especially true when babies struggle to latch or mothers experience pain during feeding. They can help protect cracked, sore nipples, reduce discomfort, and encourage milk to flow while your baby learns the proper latch.
Modern nipple shields are made from medical-grade silicone, which is easy to clean and gentle for both mom and baby. While many people try to market them as a temporary solution, they can be a total lifeline while navigating many stages of nursing. Personally, I used mine for 7 months!
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Some of my favorites include:
What Are Nipple Shields For?
Nipple shields can be used for several purposes, including:
- Supporting milk flow in cases where babies are weak or hesitant
- Helping babies latch when mom has flat or inverted nipples
- Offering a solution to encourage effective feeding while addressing nursing challenges
- Protecting damaged nipples from further pain or injury
- Assisting babies who have difficulty latching due to prematurity, a tongue tie, or other latching challenges
When To Use Nipple Shields
Knowing when to use a nipple shield is just as important as knowing how to use it. Common situations include:
- Experiencing low milk flow and want to encourage a successful latch while building your milk supply
- Baby is struggling to latch despite repeated attempts
- Baby is premature, has a weak suckle, or is getting too worn out while feeding
- Dealing with sore or cracked nipples that need protection
- You have flat or inverted nipples that make direct latching painful
Always speak to a lactation consultant before starting to use nipple shields. Our team of friendly lactation consultants is always here for you. We can guide you in selecting the correct size, ensuring proper placement and comfort.
How To Use A Nipple Shield For Breastfeeding
Here are some practical tips for using a nipple shield effectively:
Choose the Right Size
Nipple shields come in a range of different sizes. Choosing the right size ensures comfort, and also supports a proper latch so your baby gets enough milk. A shield that is too small will likely compress the nipple, causing discomfort, while one that is too large can reduce your milk flow. Your nipple shield size will be the same size as your flange. My flange ruler and nipple shield guide will help you get the right fit.
Prepare the Shield (and Yourself)
Before each feeding, ensure that your nipple shield is clean. You want to rinse it thoroughly with warm, soapy water. In addition to this, some shields may need to be boiled or sterilized, depending on the manufacturing instructions. The shield should always be dry before placing it on your nipple to avoid thrush and ensure it adheres properly.
Take a moment to prepare yourself, too. Get comfortable, relax your shoulders, and position your baby close for plenty of skin-to-skin contact. A calm, comfortable feeding environment helps your baby latch easier and encourages a solid milk supply.
Position Properly
First, push your thumb into the nipple part of your shield. Then, place it on your nipple, and release—it will create gentle suction to help the shield stay in place. This is super important to ensure your baby gets enough milk while preventing any friction on your nipple. Gently squeeze the shield to remove air pockets and help it sit nice and snug.
Encourage Baby to Latch
Hold your little one close and guide their mouth to the shield. Pay close attention to make sure that their lips flare out and cover the shield. You want to ensure it’s reaching the roof of your baby’s mouth. A proper latch helps your baby gets milk while you’re comfortable!
Monitor Feeding
Pay attention to your baby. If they seem frustrated, they may not be getting enough milk. Adjust the shield or try hand-expressing a few drops onto the tip to stimulate your baby. You also want to make sure your baby is emptying you fully. If not, try pumping for 10 minutes afterwards to encourage full emptying of your breasts.
Maintain Milk Supply
Even when using a nipple shield, frequent pumping or nursing sessions are crucial to maintain milk supply. You can complement each session with pumping, as above. For more ideas, check out my post on pumping tips for breastfeeding moms.
How Long You Can Use Nipple Shields For
Most consultants recommend using nipple shields as long as necessary to resolve any difficulties. For many babies, this is a few weeks, but it can vary depending on the underlying challenge. Like I mentioned earlier, I used mine for 7 months without issue. Booking continuous consultations with our lactation consultants can ensure that the shield doesn’t interfere with your progress or milk supply.
We can even help you curate a 50/50 breastfeeding (which includes pumping and nursing) plan. Pumping is a nice way to take a break while ensuring your baby gets enough liquid gold. If you’re new to pumping, we recommend signing up for The Ultimate Pumping Course, where you can get supportive, professional advice all in one place. You can find out more about it here!
Hot tip: A breast pump can actually IMPROVE your nursing experience.
I’m here to support you and your little one on your journey.
Nursing doesn’t always come naturally, and that’s okay! Tools like nipple shields can be total lifesavers when used properly. By understanding how to use a nipple shield and what it’s for, you can protect your nipples, support your little one’s feeding, and maintain your confidence.
Remember, everyone is different, and a little guidance can make a huge difference. With the right approach, nipple shields can be a handy solution while you’re navigating breastfeeding challenges. You’re not alone; support and success are in reach with the help of One With The Pump.
