References:

1. MyHealth.Alberta.ca - Breastfeeding Your Baby Using a Nipple Shield
2. Toronto Public Health – Breastfeeding Protocols for Health Care Providers | Protocol #4: Sore Nipples
3. Australian Breastfeeding Association – Nipple shields

What is a nipple shield?

• A device that can be used to help with breastfeeding
• Made of a thin flexible plastic
• Shaped like a hat. The nipple fits into the part that sticks out and the brim goes around the areola
• Sizes differ (depends on nipple size and the size of the baby’s mouth)

Why use a nipple shield?

• If your baby has trouble:
  • Latching
  • Staying on the breast
• If you baby has become used to drinking from a bottle
• For the most part, nipple shields are not needed. A breastfeeding expert will first try other strategies to help your feeding position and your baby’s latch

What should you do if you think you need a nipple shield?

• Talk to a breastfeeding/chestfeeding expert. They will:
  • Ensure that a nipple shield is needed because no other latching strategies work
  • Ensure you get a nipple shield that is the right size
    • The piece that covers the nipple cannot be too long or it can cause the baby to gag. It also cannot be too short or the baby won’t feel like they are sucking like they would on a nipple
    • The piece that covers the nipple should not be too tight to the nipple or this could slow the flow of breast milk
    • Experts should start with the smallest shield that fits the nipple and the baby’s mouth
  • Ensure your baby is latching and feeding well from the nipple shield
  • Tell you how long to use the nipple shield for
  • Give you tips for weaning off the nipple shield

How do I use a nipple shield?

• To avoid nipple damage it is important to put a nipple shield on the right way
• Here are the steps for putting on a nipple shield:
  1. Wet the edges of the shield with some breast milk. This will help it stick to the breast
  2. Push the edges of the nipple shield outwards so that the nipple shield turns partially inside out
  3. While holding it in this position, place the opening over the nipple
  4. Allow the shield to go back to its original shape over the nipple and areola
• Nipple shields should be cleaned after each use. Wash according to the manufacturer’s instructions
• Store clean nipple shields in a plastic bag with a seal or a plastic container

How will I know if I am using the nipple shield correctly?

• Baby is able to latch well
• There is no pain when baby is feeding
• There are no dents in the shield when baby is on
• Baby is sucking and swallowing well
• There is milk in the shield
• Baby is not hungry after feeding
• Baby is gaining weight
• Baby is having the right number of wet and dirty diapers
• See your health care provider or an infant feeding expert regularly to make sure you are correctly using the nipple shield and to make sure your milk supply keeps up

Further Your Learning:

1. Toronto Public Health – Breastfeeding Protocols for Health Care Providers | Protocol #4: Sore Nipples

Shareable Resources For Clients:

1. MyHealth.Alberta.ca - Breastfeeding Your Baby Using a Nipple Shield
2. Australian Breastfeeding Association – Nipple shields
3. HealthLinkBC – Nipple Shields for Breastfeeding Problems

Referral Sources:

1. Niagara Parents - Infant Feeding Appointment with a Public Health Nurse - 905-684-7555
2. Health811 - Breastfeeding advice and referrals - 1-866-797-0007
3. La Leche League Canada – Mother-to-mother breastfeeding support - 613-238-5919