A nipple shield is a thin, flexible silicone cover placed over the nipple and areola during breastfeeding to help babies who are having difficulty latching directly to the breast.
A nipple shield is described by La Leche League GB as "a thin, silicone teat that can be placed over a mother's nipple" during breastfeeding, with holes in the tip to allow milk to flow into the baby's mouth. Modern shields are made of clear, ultra-thin silicone and are available in various sizes. They are distinct from older, thicker rubber or latex shields. La Leche League GB states that a shield "can be used temporarily to help establish breastfeeding or in some cases to help ensure that breastfeeding continues".
When might a nipple shield be used?
La Leche League GB identifies several situations where a nipple shield may be considered: when a baby is struggling to latch effectively despite positional support, when the mother has flat or inverted nipples, for premature infants, or when a baby needs additional oral stimulation. The shield can provide "a firm stimulus at the roof of a baby's mouth where the soft and hard palate meet". La Leche League GB notes that if a baby is not nursing at all or is nursing ineffectively, a nipple shield may allow the baby to take more milk directly at the breast and "avoid or reduce the need to express milk and use cups or bottles".
What are the limitations of nipple shields?
La Leche League GB cautions that "a shield cannot correct underlying problems, especially those of sore and damaged nipples or low milk production" and that poor latch remains problematic even with a shield. They emphasise that skilled professional support with positioning and attachment should be sought alongside any use of a shield. The NHS advises avoiding nipple shields when possible while a baby is learning to feed. La Leche League GB states that shields are intended as a temporary measure and that it is "usually possible for a baby to learn to breastfeed without the shield" given time and patience.
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