How to Breastfeed With a Nipple Shield
Although breast milk is best for babies, breastfeeding isn't always easy, and sometimes babies have trouble latching on correctly. If you've worked with a lactation consultant and she cannot correct the baby's latch, a nipple shield can sometimes be useful. Nipple shields are particular helpful for premature, unusually small, or ill babies who have a weak suck, mothers with inverted or flat nipples, or babies who are used to drinking from bottles.
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Instructions
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Boil the nipple shield before it's initial use, following the manufacturer's directions.
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Wash the nipple shield in warm, soapy water before every use. Pat dry with a clean towel. Leaving the edges a little damp may help the shield stay in place more easily.
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Gently massage the breast to stimulate milk flow.
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Place the shield on top of the nipple, with the edges turned up and away from the mother's body.
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Smooth down the edges so they fit comfortably against the mother's body.
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Gently squeeze the nipple to release some milk into the nipple shield.
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Help the baby latch on. The baby's jaws should close on the breast, not simply on the shaft of the shield.
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Remove the baby from the mother's breast and remove the nipple shield after a few minutes of breastfeeding. Help the baby latch onto the breast without the shield and continue breastfeeding without the shield if possible. If the baby has difficulties continuing the feeding, the shield may be reapplied for the remainder of the feeding.
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Remove the nipple shield when the baby is done nursing, and promptly wash in warm, soapy water.
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Tips & Warnings
Nipple shields come in several sizes, but size isn't just about the mother's body. Some size nipple shields work better for some babies than others. A shield that's too large prevents the baby from latching on well and getting a good supply of milk. A large nipple shield may even make some babies gag. For most babies, newborn size shields work best.
The amount of breastmilk the mother's body produces is directly linked to how much milk the baby drinks. However, since most babies requiring a nipple shield have weak sucks, the baby may not take as much milk as he really needs. Therefore, breastfeeding experts suggest using a breast pump after every feeding involving a shield. It's best to avoid giving the baby the breastmilk in a bottle until his breastfeeding habits are more firmly established, but store the breastmilk in the freezer for a time when the baby is breastfeeding better or the mother's milk supply is low.
