While nipple shields can possibly reduce nipple pain with nursing, for many parents, adding a shield alone does not eliminate pain. And for some people with inverted nipples, nipple shield use can make breastfeeding feel worse. Nipple shields can be a great tool to help you get closer to your breastfeeding goals, though their usage comes with certain considerations. This post will cover the basics of nipple shield use & how to find the right fit for you and your baby. Reducing the flow rate into the baby's mouth if hyperactive letdowns are an issue or if the baby is struggling with fluid management Constantly losing the shields (they're small, thin, & clear which seems like a design flaw when you can't find them) Conical nipple shields are the most common; the nipple projection is a similar shape to a thimble. Cherry-shaped shields are made by only one company but are a great alternative if your baby can't keep the nipple shield in their mouth while feeding, even with proper sizing, attachment, & positioning.

Example: Your nipples measure 15 x16 mm. Your nipple shield size would be 20 mm. For inverted nipples, you can trial 18-20 mm nipple shields. Nipple shields differ from pump flanges ( also called breast shields) & they differ from nipple protectors & everters. The primary purpose of nipple shields is to allow more effective, less painful nursing at the breast. It's recommended that you use nipple shields only under the guidance of an IBCLC who can help you find the shield that works best for your baby, resolve the challenges, and provide advice & oversight when ditching the shield. IBCLC care is critical in cases where weight gain or milk supply issues are a concern or when babies continue to cough, choke or gag with the shield. Getting fitted for a nipple shield is pretty straightforward. The first step is to measure your nipple using a standard ruler, circular ruler, or calipers. To get an accurate measurement, you may find it helpful to finger stimulate your nipple to get it as erect as possible.

Different brands carry different sizing, and knowing where to look for your size can be challenging. At Untied Latch, we carry a variety of shields on hand to ensure that any parents we see that need one get their proper fit without the struggle of searching online for hours.

There are no contraindications to nipple shield use, though there are things to consider before buying. In addition to the internal diameter of the hole your nipple will go in, there are a few other dimensions to keep in mind. Nipple Shields vary in length (the height of the cone), tip size, & taper, all of which can change how well your baby can feed with the nipple shield and how comfortable it feels for you.There is excessive space between the sides of the nipple & nipple shield: More than 2 mm on each side. 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!)