You have finished viewing your e-Prescription!
Take a Course
or
Close

{{{stage.title}}}
Sally Tedstone, UNICEF UK Baby Friendly Initiative

Breastfeeding Expert Midwife and Breastfeeding Educator with UNICEF UK Baby Friendly Initiative
{{ ellipsisText }}

Breastfeeding

Nipple shields

Breastfeeding mums sometimes try nipple shields if feeding has become painful. Nipple shields can seem like a temporary solution while sore nipples heal but they can also cause more complications if you don’t use the correct size or don’t use them correctly so we need to be careful. If you are sore, it's essential that you and your baby learn to get a good latch, so the underlying cause of pain will be sorted out. Then you can return quickly to feeding without a nipple shield. With effective attachment, it’s possible to feed without pain – even on nipples that are already sore.
Video Tutorial
In Short
Nipple shields do not solve the underlying breastfeeding problems. In most cases, it's important to improve your baby's attachment to the breast so you can feed without nipple shields and without pain.

Nipple shields can reduce the stimulation your breasts sense during breastfeeding and this may decrease your milk supply.

Nipple shields often make it harder for your baby to feed.

Sometimes they can be useful if a baby is really struggling to feed in certain circumstances but they always be used with guidance so speak to your midwife, health visitor or breastfeeding counsellor.

If you do choose to use nipple shields, it’s best to get some help so you can make sure you are putting them on properly and using the correct size for you. Your supply can reduce quickly if you are using them incorrectly and you can be at risk of blocked ducts and mastitis.

Sore and Cracked Nipples

One of the main reasons that breastfeeding mums think about nipple shields is if their nipples are damaged and painful. Nipple shields help some mums to feed for a short time until their nipples heal. However, if you end up with cracked or sore nipples, then it’s essential that you and your baby learn the knack of effective attachment. Once the underlying problem is solved, you can return quickly to feeding without a nipple shield.

Getting help

It is important to get help from the most skilled person you know. This might be your local drop-in breastfeeding clinic, midwife or health visitor.

With effective attachment, it’s possible to feed without pain – even on nipples that are already sore.

Using Nipple Shields

Some nipple shields are better made than others, with very thin membranes and a cut-out space where your baby’s nose touches your breast so your baby can smell your skin as they feed. However, it can be really hard for the baby to get a good mouthful of the breast if they have a nipple shield in their mouth too. Your baby may also be less able to stimulate your breasts to produce milk. One reason why using nipple shields can have an impact on milk supply (but it may also because there are other issues going on that caused your initial soreness).

The suction of the baby sucking through the nipple shield can still open the cracks. However, if breastfeeding does not feel possible without a shield, then this may be a short-term option while you find help. The main drawbacks are that using them may reduce your milk supply, and they may alter your baby’s sucking action. Also, many women find it hard to get stop using nipple shields once they’ve started.

Some mums who are really struggling to attach a baby effectively may have a qualified lactation consultant who will try a nipple shield. It’s important to use the correct size based on the diameter of the base of your nipple (not the length of your nipple) and have someone show you how to put them on properly.

Nipple Creams

Some women feel that nipple creams can ease and soothe the pain of sore, cracked. However, sometimes they are over-used or seen as a fix when the evidence suggests real relief comes from solving the underlying problems. If your nipples are not cracked but just sore, research suggests that using expressed breastmilk or nothing may be just as effective as using a cream. Creams can be useful for moist wound healing (healing without a scab) when a nipple is damaged. Some creams marketed at new mums contain ingredients that may not always be suitable for a baby to ingest. Simple products like medical grade lanolin or white soft paraffin may be safer options.

DISCLAIMER
This article is for information only and should not be used for the diagnosis or treatment of medical conditions. Essential Parent has used all reasonable care in compiling the information from leading experts and institutions but makes no warranty as to its accuracy. Consult a doctor or other health care professional for diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions. For details click here.