Many nursing mothers are familiar with the complaints: sore, aching, or even bleeding nipples. However, we’re here to help make breastfeeding a pleasant experience for both mother and baby: in addition to solid breastfeeding advice involving the correct positioning technique, nipple shields are one way of alleviating pain during breastfeeding. Midwife Monika Thönen from Switzerland tells us more. Show
Effective help against sore nipplesBreastfeeding is great for babies – but it should also be a pleasant experience for the mother. "The sudden and unexpected strain of breastfeeding and suckling, for example caused by incorrect positioning techniques, can be excessive for the nipples, especially at the beginning of the breastfeeding relationship," explains midwife Monika Thönen. They can redden, become painful, and sometimes even crack and bleed. Nipple shields can provide relief and allow those wounds to heal so that no breastfeeding break is necessary. Optimal nipple shieldsThe MAM-expert recommends: "Nipple shields should be made from the thinnest material possible, which adapts perfectly to the breast shape while also feeling familiar to the baby." MAM nipple shields have a special textured surface that allows air to circulate well. The butterfly shape of these nipple shields also allows maximum skin contact between baby and mother. However, the midwife emphasizes that it is important to use nipple shields for as short a time as possible – after all, the baby should remain accustomed to the breast. "Nipple shields are a gentle remedy for sore nipples." (Monika Thönen, Midwife) Good nipple shields should exhibit the following characteristics:
How to use nipple shields1. Wash your
hands! Ideally seek advice from a lactation consultant or midwife before using nipple shields. Breastfeeding groups are also an excellent opportunity to exchange experiences and advice with professionals and other mothers. If you’re struggling with breastfeeding — whether your baby is having a hard time latching or you’re dealing with soreness and pain — you may wonder if nipple shields could help. But while nipple shields can indeed be a godsend for some women and their babies when used correctly under the guidance of a lactation consultant or doctor, they can also make common breastfeeding problems worse. Here’s the lowdown on who should use nipple shields and when. What is a nipple shield?A nipple shield is a thin silicone device that's worn over your nipple while you breastfeed. It's soft and flexible, and has small holes in the tip that allow milk to flow into your baby’s mouth. In some situations, nipple shields can help babies properly latch and suckle more effectively by providing stimulation to the roof of their mouths. When to use a nipple shieldYou should ideally work with a lactation consultant before trying a nipple shield to make sure that you really need one. Babies can become used to nipple shields very quickly, and it can be challenging to wean them off — so you don’t want to use one unless it's absolutely necessary. Some issues, such as sore nipples from a poor latch, can be resolved without a shield. But there are several reasons why a breastfeeding mom may need to use a nipple shield: You have inverted nipplesIf you have inverted nipples, they retract into your breast instead of sticking out. You may notice this when you’re cold or when you compress your breast around your areola (the dark area around your nipples) with your fingers. For women with inverted nipples, a nipple shield may help guide your baby to latch on more deeply if other interventions aren't working. Continue Reading Below Read This NextYour baby is prematureSome research shows that a nipple shield can be helpful for preemies. This is because the shield can create suction and position the nipple in a way that makes it easier for a premature baby to suck without tiring. As your baby develops strength and coordination, you can wean her off the shield. Your baby has tongue issuesA tongue thrust or tongue-tie — a condition in which a tight band of tissue connects part of your baby’s tongue to the floor of her mouth — can make it difficult for your little one to latch on to breastfeed. Nipple shields can help in the interim while your pediatrician recommends next steps. How to use a nipple shield properlyNipple shields come in several different sizes depending on the diameter of your nipples. Your lactation consultant or physician can recommend whether a nipple shield is right for you and which size you need. Here’s how to apply one correctly:
What are the benefits of using a nipple shield?A nipple shield can help babies who might not otherwise be able to nurse — for example, preemies or little ones with tongue ties — learn how to successfully breastfeed. Ideally, a nipple shield is temporary and helps these babies learn how to nurse on their own without having to rely on expressed milk or formula. Nipple shields can also help ensure milk production stays ramped up during this time. What are the disadvantages of using a nipple shield?Although nipple shields can make a world of difference for nursing moms and their babies, they can have drawbacks. Milk production can decreaseYour milk supply could go down if your baby isn’t sucking hard enough to stimulate it. Your baby has to work harderIt takes more effort to get milk through a nipple shield, so your baby may need some extra help. One way to do this is to gently compress different areas of your breast during nursing sessions. If your breasts still feel full after nursing, drain them by pumping. This will help reduce the chances of plugged ducts or even mastitis, a painful inflammation of the breast that sometimes involves infection. It may be harder to breastfeed in publicIf you’re already a little uncomfortable about nursing outside the comfort of your own home, a nipple shield can make doing so more challenging, since you’ll have to fumble with it before you settle down to get your baby to latch on. Babies can become dependent on nipple shieldsThat's why it’s important to work with a lactation consultant if you do use one. A lactation consultant can help you wean from the shield after a few weeks. How can you wean your baby from a nipple shield?Nipple shields are designed to be a temporary solution while your baby learns how to breastfeed on her own. Ideally, you should wean your baby off of the nipple shield with the help of a lactation consultant. To wean, you can try the following:
If you try to wean your baby off the nipple shield and she seems to struggle or become frustrated without it, continue nursing with the nipple shield on. You don’t want this to turn into a big breastfeeding battle, especially if she's enjoying it and gaining weight. Work with a lactation consultant for additional strategies that may help you successfully wean. Was this article helpful? How long do MAM Nipple Shields last?After microwave sterilizing, nipple shields kept in the closed box will remain disinfected for up to 48 hours.
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