When should I use a nipple shield?

- Nipple shields are used for many different reasons! They can be very helpful and be the difference between you “hanging in there” and “throwing in the towel”, but they can also cause problems! The important thing is that your baby’s weight is being monitored while you are using a nipple shield, as some baby’s have troubles transferring the milk well and won’t gain weight as well as they should. So, all that said, you should not just go out and get a shield to use from day 1 because your friend said it was awesome! They may be needed when moms nipples are flat or inverted , though the nipple has to be “suctioned” into the shield to work properly in these cases, so be sure to receive proper instruction on how to do this. They are often used when the baby is born early and needs the extra “tactile” sensation to keep them sucking longer. They may be used to protect moms nipple when the baby has a tight frenulum or when he is chomping versus sucking. So, it may be used for protection or for a teaching tool. It is normally a “short term” device to help get you over a hump. We usually want moms to pump at least 3 times a day (after feedings) when their baby is using the shield for every feeding, as we need to be sure the baby is able to transfer the milk well and not have your milk supply compromised in the interim!