A nipple shield is a flexible silicone nipple that is worn over a mother’s nipple during a feeding.  Nipple shields should be considered a short-term solution and should be used under the guidance of an IBCLC or lactation consultant.  Although the shield can be a great temporary tool, there are concerns with using them such as uncertain effects on milk supply as they cover the nerve endings, baby getting less milk if shield is used incorrectly leading to weight gain issues, and risk of mastitis or clogs if breast is not draining efficiently.

 

Tips for getting baby to stop using a nipple shield:

 

• Start off on the breast for as long as baby is willing to latch, then apply the shield afterwards.  Try nursing without one in a different setting or position you’d normal use.  You can try bathing (safely) with your baby in a warm bath, nursing in a carrier, or side lay nursing in bed.  

 

• The bait and switch move - After your letdown occurs and baby has had a little to take the edge off his/her appetite, swiftly remove the shield and latch baby to your breast.  You can add breast massaging to help keep the flow going a little longer, especially if oral restriction is present and baby cannot do it themselves well.

 

• Sometimes it works to offer the first breast with the shield and the second one without it, if your baby takes both breasts in one feeding.  Remember, it’s totally normal for babies to only take one side at a time.

 

• Offer lots of skin to skin time.  Having a “nurscation” in bed or on the couch for several days allowing baby full access to the breasts can help.  Don’t worry too much if baby doesn’t latch initially, the goal is for him to feel happy, safe and loved while he explores the smell, taste and feel of your skin.

 

• Try latching and dream feeding baby without the shield while he/she is sleepy or lightly sleeping.

 

• Breastfeed frequently.  Make sure baby is not overly hungry when trying to latch without the shield.  An overly hungry baby will be frustrated from the get go and will only get more frustrated as you continue.  If you can catch baby early baby may be more willing to work with you.

 

• Avoid your baby becoming too frustrated or upset. If baby is getting very upset with the idea of latching without the shield, continue the feed as normal with the shield in place and try again at another session or on a different day.  It is important that breastfeeding doesn’t become a source of conflict and stress.  Allow baby to build trust that nursing will work and will be ok, even if that means using the shield to make it familiar and easy for baby. Once baby builds trust, start to remove the shield after baby has been on for awhile.

 

• Try to stay relaxed.  Babies are very in tune with their mothers and if mum feels anxious about latching, baby may also feel anxious.  Help your baby stay calm with eye contact, smiling at him, and talking to him.

 

• DO NOT CUT THE SHIELD!

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Some mothers may have heard friends or family suggest gradually cutting away the shield to make it smaller and smaller so your baby gradually gets used to less shield and more breast.  Nipple shield manufacturers do not recommend this at it could leave sharp edges to damage your baby’s mouth or loose fragments that could be a choking hazard.

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I recommend not making this a battle or baby may resist more.  We don’t want this to be a stressful trigger at the breast.  Don’t obsess with weaning off the shield to the point that you’re robbed of the joy of breastfeeding.  As long as your baby is gaining weight well, then you have time to play around with it and work towards weaning.  Keep trying often, but be patient with yourself and your baby while you work through this transition.