MAM Nipple Shields Size Large (Pack of 2), Breast Shields with Sterilisable Travel Case, Breast Protectors to Support and Enhance Breastfeeding

Product Information

Nipple shields can be the brilliant answer to so many breastfeeding problems and yet many mothers have never even heard of them, let alone know how or when to use them. Moreover, many of mothers who have tried using them, have only done so on the recommendation of friends or family, rather than at the suggestion of their midwife or breastfeeding counsellor. The MAM Nipple Shields offer short-term support during breastfeeding. They make it very easy for babies to drink because they feel so familiar thanks to their silky smooth SkinSoft™ surface and their natural shape.

This secrecy about nipple shields is largely due to the fact that many (but thankfully not all) health professionals are totally opposed to their use and will therefore never discuss how or when they can be used. They claim that shields should not be used because: The medela…are much sturdier silicone and truly make the difference IMO for longevity in BF journey." A nipple shield is a flexible silicone nipple that is worn over the mother’s own nipple during breastfeeding.If your baby is getting plenty of milk and feeds are not taking too long, you can carry on using them indefinitely. But if feeds become significantly longer, your baby is not settling after feeds because he is not getting enough milk through the shield and/or you notice that your milk supply is reducing, they are clearly not working and you should stop using them. The size of shield you use is not the same size as the pump funnel you use. Shields are a closer fit. Many shops will only sell one size and you may have to shop online to get a wider selection. You may be able to remove the shield part way through a feed and continue without. You may only use a shield on one breast, or for the first few minutes. Some babies need only one or two sessions with the nipple shields, while others may need more.

Turning your nipple shield inside out before applying helps draw your nipple into the cone-shaped area of the shield better. Find more information about WEEE recycling and where to locate your local recycling centre at https://repic.co.uk/consumers A nipple shield is meant to be a learning tool to help your baby learn to latch and nurse. This means it’s a short-term solution. Once your baby’s latch has improved, your lactation consultant will advise you to wean your baby from the nipple shield. Some tips to help you stop using a nipple shield are:There’s an issue with your baby’s mouth or tongue that’s affecting their latch. This can be due to prematurity or a condition like tongue-tie. Moms also like that these shields come in a case you can pop in the microwave to sterilize rather than washing and drying the shields each time you use them. First, try latching the baby without the shield if you feel you can. How long you spend trying to latch effectively without the shield is a very personal decision and will depend on how long ago the baby fed, the support you have, and how breastfeeding has been going in the past. Reducing the flow rate into the baby's mouth if hyperactive letdowns are an issue or if the baby is struggling with fluid management A baby will not be able to get colostrum through the shield. S o a shield should not be used until the mother’s milk comes in.

There are many things to consider with nipple shields. While nipple shields are highly accessible and relatively easy to use, there is a wide variety of shapes & sizes, making finding the right fit for your and your baby quite challenging. I use a small sized nipple shield. The ones from lansinoh are a little shorter than the Medela nipple shields and work better for my baby. "

There are some videos online that show you how to apply a shield with this ‘slightly inside out’ method. No one shape, texture, or rigidity works best for every baby. It can take some trial & error to find a shield that works well. (Again, something we excel in!) A lot of lactation professionals will avoid using a nipple shield unless it’s necessary. Some of the disadvantages of using a nipple shield are: Most lactation consultants and breastfeeding experts suggest using nipple shields as a temporary, short-term solution to breastfeeding issues. Painful damaged nipples: When women develop what Dr. Madden calls "excoriated" nipples, nipple shields can help reduce further tissue damage. However, Dr. Madden says, the friction of the shields' silicone can also cause soreness. "This friction is usually worse if a nipple shield is too small, so it’s important to use the right size of shield in the setting of nipple soreness and breakdown," Dr. Madden says.

Your baby has a tongue-tie, tongue thrust or retracted tongue. These can be fixed or may improve over time. Once you decide to wean from the nipple shield, you can try removing the shield during a feeding earlier and earlier each time so baby can get an idea of what it’s like without it. Wash the shield with hot soapy water, rinse with clean water, dry carefully and store in a clean container. By the way, don't confuse nipple shields with breast shields, which are part of your breast pump system and connect with your pump flanges. Breast shields are not intended to be worn while breastfeeding. What size nipple shield should I buy? Most nipple shields are designed to be longer, which doesn’t work for women who have nipples that, while not flat, don't protrude a lot, either. Fortunately, many of these women have found their small nipples fit well in Lansinoh's shields.

Cherry-shaped nipple shield are also extremely helpful for babies with tongue ties, something we here at the Untied Latch specialize in managing. I tried the Dr. brown's, Medela, and Lansinoh nipple shields. I thought the Dr. Brown's stayed the best without slipping off. It also has the most cut out like the Lansinoh one I used."