Breastfeeding with nipple shields
The thin, transparent and odorless silicone or latex nipple shields can be placed over the nipple and are said to help with some breastfeeding problems:
They are designed to protect heavily stressed nipples. As they are modeled on the shape of a nipple, they can make it easier for the baby to suckle at the breast if the mother’s nipple is unfavorably shaped. They also support the vacuum that the baby creates when latching on, making it easier for the baby to drink.
However, before you reach for the aid, you should first find out the cause of the breastfeeding problem. A lactation consultant or midwife can help with this. The silicone attachment is not always the best and only solution.
It is worth trying to get to grips with the breastfeeding problems without the nipple shield first. Incorrect use also encourages breastfeeding problems.
Breastfeeding shields – when are they useful?
In most cases, an incorrect application technique right at the start of breastfeeding leads women to buy nipple shields. However, this mistake can usually be easily corrected, so that the aids are only necessary for a short time or not at all. A nipple shield is only advisable if there is really no other option and the woman might otherwise be forced to stop breastfeeding.
Breastfeeding shields can help with
- special nipple shape: flat or inverted nipples
- children with weak suckling, premature babies, sick children
Nipple shields: Size and shape
It is important to choose the right size and shape when buying nipple shields. If the two nipples are different, you will also need two different nipple shields.
The shape and diameter of the nipple are crucial when making your choice. The nipple shields should not be too loose or too tight. Sizes S (small), M (medium) and L (large) are available with diameters between 18 and 22 millimetres. The size refers to the nipple itself, not the areola.
The baby’s mouth also plays a role in the selection: small babies and premature babies need different shapes than older children. There is a choice between conical and cherry-shaped nipple shields. The latter are designed to make sucking easier for premature babies.
There are nipple shields with a small cut-out for the baby’s nose. This allows the baby to remain at least somewhat accustomed to skin contact and smell the scent of mom. Under no circumstances should you buy nipple shields that imitate a bottle teat: The long-term aim of the aid is to breastfeed without a nipple shield and not to drink from a bottle!
Hygiene: Cleaning the breastfeeding shield
Particular attention must be paid to hygiene with sick children and premature babies in order to prevent infections. In the case of bloody nipples, the nipple shields should be boiled (five to ten minutes) or sterilized.
Cleaned nipple shields are best stored in a box with a lid. Nursing caps, which you can buy together with a small storage box, are practical and hygienic for on the go.
Putting on the nipple shields correctly
You should wash your hands before putting on the nipple shields. Secondly, you should trigger the milk let-down reflex (manually or with the pump) and spread some of the milk around the areola. This will make the nipple shield adhere better, sore areas will become a little smoother and the baby will suckle more calmly when the milk is already flowing. Warming the silicone with water can also stimulate the baby to drink.
To put on a nursing cap correctly, first bend the edges outwards and press the tip of the cap inwards with your finger. After putting it on, fold the edges back. At best, the nipple will be pulled slightly into the tip of the nursing cap by the resulting vacuum. Make sure that the nipple is centered in the nipple shield. It should not be too tight or too loose in the funnel.
Breastfeeding caps: Disadvantages
Prolonged breastfeeding with a top can cause the body to produce fewer hormones that are important for milk production: prolactin and oxytocin. In the long term, this may reduce milk production and the baby may not get enough to drink. If you are unsure, you should check your baby’s weight regularly. And if you pump your milk from time to time, this will stimulate any milk production that has fallen asleep.
Other disadvantages of breastfeeding shields are
- Improper use can exacerbate complaints such as sore nipples
- Time-consuming and inconvenient: spontaneous breastfeeding is not possible, cleaning nursing shields takes time
- The child’s sucking reflexes atrophy
- Sucking confusion of the child
- Less skin contact between mother and child
- Breastfeeding shields can be difficult to wean off
Breastfeeding bottle weaning
Sucking on the nipple shield is much easier for babies, which is why they quickly get used to it and refuse to drink from the bare nipple. The longer the nipple shield is used, the more difficult it is to wean the baby off it. Some children then protest for a long time to get the little drinking aid back.
Always try to start breastfeeding without a shield. It helps to trigger the milk let-down reflex before latching on by pumping briefly. This enlarges the nipple – the baby can grasp it more easily. In addition, the milk flows immediately so that the baby is rewarded with the first suck without much effort.
Conclusion: Every woman who decides to breastfeed with a nipple shield should try to use this aid only as long as necessary and return to breastfeeding without a nipple shield as soon as possible.
