Breastfeeding With A Nipple Shield

Breastfeeding is best for your baby. I always hope that breastfeeding goes well for each and every one of you, however, sometimes breastfeeding problems arise and temporary interventions need to take place. Nipple shields are becoming more commonlyused to help some of these breastfeeding problems that women experience. There are several breastfeeding problems thatrequire a mom to temporarily use nipple shields, such as a mom who has difficulty latching a baby on her breast, therefore, the baby is not gaining weight.Other times, all it takes tosolve a breastfeeding problem is to reposition the baby or breastfeed the baby more frequently. Nipple shields should only be used when necessary and as a last resort. Nipple shields should only be used temporarily to help solve your breastfeeding problem. Once the problem is solved, a mom has to takethe nipple shield off so the baby will not get used to it. She then needs to directly feed her baby onher breast. A nipple shieldis placed over the nipple and areola to help your baby suck on your breast.It is usually made of a soft,thin, flexible, silicone. Consult with a Lactation Consultant to see what sizeand which kind is right for you and your baby. Nipple shields come in various sizes, extra small, small and medium, 16mm, 20mm and 24mm. Measure the size of the shield to the baby's mouth. Then look at the size of the mother's nipple. Find the best fit for both mom and baby. When using the nipple shield, the mom should not feel pain. I recommend to my patients that they sterilize the nipple shield at least once a day. Most of the time nipple shields are successfully used for a baby unable to latch on when a mom has a flat nipple, a mother who has an over active let down, a mom who has sore, damaged or infected nipples, or the baby has a weak, disorganized suck, or the baby has a nipple confusion problem because he has been fed too many bottles.Using a nipple shield helps the baby get back onto the breast. In time, all these problems can becorrected. In my private practice, Breastfeeding With Love, I have seen nipple shields to be quite successful. However, I use nipple shields only as a last resort to solve a mother's breastfeeding problem. Nipple shield shaves many advantages. Nipple shields canprovide shape for a baby sucking on a flat nipple. They can help a baby open its mouth wider if necessary. Nipple shields often help reduce pain to a mom when she has a sore nipple because the baby isn't directly sucking on her nipple. Sometimes nipple shields can reduce milk transfer.That is the biggest disadvantage however if you need to use a nipple shield, thisis only temporary. I feel the nipple shield has more advantages and benefits for the mom therefore, it should beused. As soon as your problem is solved, try to take the baby off the nipple shield and directly back onto your breastso your baby can suck directly on your breast. It may take a few days for both of you to adjust and switch back todirectly breastfeeding so, be patient. Call a professional who can help guide you through this process. In conclusion, nipple shields can temporarily solve your breastfeeding problem. However, consult with your professional Lactation Consultant to make sure you are using it properly.You want to use the nipple shield for the short test time possible and switch back to breastfeeding as soon as your breastfeeding problem is solved.