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Using a Nipple Shield

Information for breastfeeding families

Nipple shields have a mixed reputation. Some say they cause more problems than they solve. Others say that used properly they can salvage a difficult breastfeeding situation. Your lactation consultant will recommend when they may be helpful, how long to use them, and how to discontinue using them.

Indications for use

  • Flat or inverted nipples
  • Premature or late pre-term infants
  • Tongue tie
  • Down syndrome or other low-tone babies
  • Sore, cracked bleeding nipples
  • Slow down and regulate flow from over-active let-down
  • Wean a baby from bottle to breast

The pros:

  • Encourages your baby to feed at the breast
  • Allows a weak baby to maintain suction at the breast

The cons:

  • Barrier between you and your baby
  • Your baby may get used to the shield
  • Too easily used incorrectly

Choosing Your Shield

  • Ask your lactation consultant to fit you for the correct size
  • Experiment with the two types, to see which works best for you:

How to use the shield

  • Roll the shield back about½ way down the shank of the shield
  • Apply to nipple, may apply lanolin, breastmilk, KY jelly or water to help the shield adhere to the breast
  • Roll the shield back onto the breast so the nipple is pulled into the shank of the shield. May stretch shield to accommodate the nipple
  • May warm in water to make more flexible
  • Latch the infant on by tipping baby’s head back, touch the shield above the upper lip and allow baby to take it deeply
  • Ensure the infant’s lips are at the base on the shield, not slipping back and forth
  • May pre-fill the shield through the holes in the tip with a periodontal syringe so the baby gets an instant reward
  • Wash the shield and air dry, may be boiled if desired
  • Plan for lactation follow up to either wean from the shield or work on maintaining/establishing supply
  • Have your baby’s weight checked often
  • To wean from the shield, start the feeding with the shield in place, then remove. If not successful, try again the next feeding. Coax your baby, and be persistent

Colic Hold

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Additional Resources

Using a Nipple Shield
Newborn Feeding Log
Weaning Your Breastfeeding Baby
Waking a Sleepy Baby
Congratulations on the Birth of Your Baby!
Storage and Handling of Breastmilk

"It’s really a blessing when you have doctors that exemplify what you visualize a good doctor to be. I can only rave about the care, concern and interest exhibited by all of the professional staff at MD Pediatric Associates."
PC
Paul C.

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