I see it in my clinic all the time. A new mom comes in, her eyes heavy with exhaustion. She tells me, “I thought breastfeeding was supposed to be beautiful, but it just… hurts. The baby cries, I cry, and I feel like I’m failing.” If this sounds familiar, please know you are not alone, and you are not failing. Breastfeeding can be tough. Sometimes, a simple tool like a Nipple Shield can be a temporary bridge to help you and your baby find your rhythm. But it’s a tool that needs to be used correctly and for the right reasons.
Let’s talk about what it is, when it might help, and when it’s better to look for other solutions.
What Exactly Is a Nipple Shield?
Think of a nipple shield as a small, thin, flexible silicone helper that you place over your nipple and areola (the darker skin around your nipple) right before a feed. It has a cone shape for your nipple and tiny holes at the tip, allowing your milk to flow through to your baby.
The big question I always get is, “Should I use one?”
Here’s my honest answer: a nipple shield should be a temporary fix, not the first thing you reach for. It can be a real game-changer in specific situations, but it doesn’t solve the root cause of most breastfeeding issues. Before you buy one, please, have a chat with a lactation consultant or your doctor. We can watch a feeding, see what’s really going on, and make a plan. Sometimes, a tiny adjustment to your position is all it takes! If we do decide a shield is a good idea, we’ll also map out a plan to eventually wean your baby off it.
When Can a Nipple Shield Be a Lifesaver?
A nipple shield can be incredibly helpful for challenges related to your baby’s latch—that’s how their mouth attaches to your breast. A good, deep latch is the secret to comfortable feeding and making sure your baby gets plenty of milk.
A shield might be a great short-term solution if:
- You have flat or inverted nipples. The shield essentially creates a longer, firmer nipple, making it easier for your baby to latch on. Sometimes, though, what looks like a flat nipple is just breast swelling (engorgement). A lactation expert can show you techniques like reverse pressure softening to help.
- Your baby needs a little extra encouragement to suck. The shape of the shield can reach the roof of your baby’s mouth, which triggers their natural sucking reflex.
- Your nipples are sore, cracked, or bleeding. Oh, the pain is real. A shield can give your poor nipples a break and a chance to heal while we work on fixing the underlying latch problem.
- You’re transitioning your baby from a bottle to the breast. Some babies get used to the firm texture of a bottle nipple and are a bit confused by the softness of a real one. A shield can feel more familiar and ease the transition.
It’s important to know that nipple shields generally aren’t the best fix for babies born prematurely, those with tongue-tie (ankyloglossia), or for managing issues like low milk supply. We have other, better strategies for those situations.
A Practical Guide to Using Your Nipple Shield
Using this tool correctly makes all the difference. It can feel a bit fiddly at first, but you’ll get the hang of it quickly.
Finding the Right Fit
Shields come in different sizes, measured in millimeters. The goal is for your nipple to fit comfortably inside the cone without rubbing against the sides. If you’re not sure, a lactation consultant is a pro at sizing these perfectly.
Step-by-Step: Putting It On Correctly
Getting a good seal helps draw your nipple into the shield. Here’s how:
- Moisten the rim of the shield with a little water or nipple cream. This helps it stick.
- Hold the shield by the rim and flip it partly inside-out, so the tip is pointing inwards.
- Center the shield over your nipple and press it onto your breast. The suction will gently pull your nipple into the cone.
- Smooth down the “brim” of the shield onto your areola. It should feel snug and secure.
How Do I Know It’s Working?
You’re looking for the same signs of a good feed you’d look for without a shield:
- You can hear or see your baby swallowing milk (not just sucking).
- Your baby seems relaxed and content after the feed.
- Your breasts feel softer and less full after nursing.
- The diaper test: Your baby should have at least six wet diapers every 24 hours. This is the best sign they’re getting enough milk.
The Honest Truth: Risks and Benefits
Like any medical tool, a nipple shield has pros and cons. It’s about weighing them for your specific situation. I’ve put them into a table to make it clearer.
| Potential Benefits (The “Pros”) | Potential Risks (The “Cons”) |
|---|---|
| Gives your baby extra time to master the skill of nursing. | Can sometimes reduce the amount of milk your baby gets per feed. |
| Allows damaged, painful nipples to heal while you continue to breastfeed. | If milk transfer is poor, it can lead to slow weight gain for the baby or a drop in your milk supply. |
| Can help you continue breastfeeding when you might have otherwise switched to formula. | Some babies can become dependent on the shield, making weaning tricky. |
| Can ease the transition for babies used to the feel of a bottle. | It’s one less layer of direct skin-to-skin contact between you and your baby. |
Because of the risk to milk supply, your provider might suggest pumping for a few minutes after feeds while using a shield. This helps fully empty your breasts and tells your body to keep making plenty of milk.
The Weaning Plan: Moving Beyond the Shield
Remember, the goal is always to get back to direct breastfeeding. The longer a baby uses a shield, the harder it can be to stop. Your lactation consultant will give you a personalized plan, but here are some gentle tips that often help:
- Offer the bare breast when your baby is sleepy and relaxed, not when they are super hungry and frantic.
- Start the feed with the shield on, and once your milk lets down and is flowing well, try quickly removing it mid-feed.
- Enjoy lots of skin-to-skin time without any pressure to latch. Just let your baby rest on your chest.
- Try switching to the bare breast when you move from the first side to the second.
Finally, don’t forget to clean your shield properly! Wash it with hot, soapy water after every single use and let it air dry completely. Sterilize it in boiling water for about 15 minutes before the very first time you use it.
When to Reach Out for Help
Breastfeeding is a journey, and you don’t have to walk it alone. Please, reach out to a lactation support provider or your doctor if:
- You have any pain while nursing. Breastfeeding shouldn’t hurt!
- Your nipples are cracked or bleeding.
- Your baby is extremely fussy, refuses to feed, or has a very shallow latch.
- You have any questions at all about using or weaning from a nipple shield.
And always contact your baby’s pediatrician if they have fewer than six wet diapers in a 24-hour period. This can be a sign of dehydration.
Take-Home Message
- A Nipple Shield is a temporary tool for specific breastfeeding challenges, not a first-line solution.
- Always consult with a lactation professional before using one to ensure it’s the right choice and to get help with proper sizing and use.
- The primary goal is to address the root cause of the latch issue and create a plan to wean your baby off the shield.
- Keep a close eye on your baby’s weight gain and the number of wet diapers to make sure they are getting enough milk.
- If you’re in pain or feeling overwhelmed, ask for help. Support is available, and you’re doing a wonderful job.
You’ve got this. This phase can be hard, but with the right support and tools, you and your baby will find your way.