Nipple Shields | 6 Helpful Steps To Weaning Off A Nipple Shield

For babies who have trouble latching onto the breast, and for some premature babies, nipple shields can be a gift. Nipple shields can help establish the breastfeeding relationship while a mother and baby are still learning.

Using a nipple shield helps with breastfeeding problems, such as cracked nipples. Temporary use of nipple shields can help sore nipples heal while maintaining breastfeeding.

Sometimes a mother will be told by a health professional that she has flat or inverted nipples and that nipple shields will help her baby latch effectively to the breast. The truth is, with help from a lactation consultant, a baby can usually latch to a breast effectively, regardless of flat or inverted nipples, without a nipple shield.

A lot of the time, nipple shields are given to mothers without adequate instructions for their use and without telling mothers how to eventually stop using them.

That’s when a seemingly innocent piece of plastic can become a hindrance to enjoying breastfeeding your baby.

Concerns about the use of nipple shields

Two of the biggest concerns about using nipple shields are:

• Whether or not it will affect a mother’s milk supply
• Whether or not baby is getting enough milk.

In terms of milk supply, the silicone nipple shield acts as a barrier and there is an absence of skin-to-skin contact between the baby’s mouth and the mother’s breast. That means the breast isn’t getting the same amount of stimulation as it would if the baby were latched on without the shield.

What the research tells us

Research on the use of nipple shields is inconclusive.

Older research showed a decrease in milk supply over time; however, older nipple shields were designed differently. More modern nipple shields, such as the Medela Contact Nipple Shield, are thin, flexible silicone shields with an innovative cut out shape to improve skin-to-skin contact between mother and baby.

Even so, there’s no strong research to show these improvements help mothers to maintain a good milk supply. In other words, we don’t really know whether prolonged use of nipple shields will result in low milk production.

Most babies can transfer milk well with the shield in place. If you are worried your baby might not be getting enough milk, ask yourself these questions: Is my baby swallowing while breastfeeding? Is he having at least 5 heavily wet nappies every 24hrs, as well as consistently gaining weight? These are the reliable indicators your baby is getting enough milk.

Disadvantages of using a nipple shield

In the case where a nipple shield is helping to maintain breastfeeding, your baby is transferring breast milk through the nipple shield effectively and it’s not affecting your milk supply, why would you want to quit using it?

Ask any mother who has used a nipple shield and she will tell you that it’s not the most convenient breastfeeding aid.

Most women find it difficult to breastfeed in public with the nipple shield. You have to hold it in place and hope it doesn’t get knocked off when your baby latches. Basically, it’s a juggling act. In fact, even when breastfeeding at home, many women find using a nipple shield is a nuisance.

If you have decided this is the case for you, consider these 6 tips to make the transition from nipple shield to freedom.

Nipple Shields Quit Tip #1: Offer the breast first

Babies get better at breastfeeding by breastfeeding more often. Every time your baby is hungry, first offer your breast without the nipple shield. This gives your baby the chance to learn through repetition and association. If you have very soft breasts, try shaping the breast so that it’s a little flatter to give your baby something firm to grasp. Aim your nipple towards your baby’s nose for a deeper latch. If he starts to fuss and refuses to latch, use a nipple shield for that feeding and try again, without one, at the next feeding.

Nipple Shields Quit Tip #2: Be a trickster

Some babies do better if they’re able to satisfy their initial hunger with the nipple shield in place. Then, when the baby pauses for the first time, slide the nipple shield off and out of baby’s mouth as quickly as you can, and offer the breast again. Some babies gladly latch right on, not even realizing what you’ve done.

Nipple Shields Quit Tip #3: Skin-to-skin

Spend time skin-to-skin with your baby while breastfeeding as well as between feeds. The pressure to get your baby latched and fed is off, and you can enjoy each other’s company.

Strip baby down to his diaper, leave your bra on if you need to or take it off if you can, then place your baby upright between your breasts and relax together.

Newborn babies have inborn breastfeeding reflexes that are awakened when baby is placed prone and skin-to-skin with the breastfeeding mother.

To learn more about the benefits of skin-to-skin, read BellyBelly’s article Benefits Of Skin To Skin Breastfeeding.

Nipple Shields Quit Tip #4: Boost your letdown

So that your baby gets an immediate reward for latching, pump or hand express milk to your first letdown before letting baby try to latch. When the milk flow starts, bring your baby to the breast. Sometimes this is just enough enticement to get baby to open wide and latch on. Consider using breast compression if your baby begins to suckle so that he gets a burst of milk, encouraging him to keep going.

Nipple Shields Quit Tip #5: Change positions

Bounce, sway and change positions!

Try nursing in motion: walk around the room, sit in a rocking chair or bounce on a birthing ball. This might distract and lull your baby into a more productive breastfeeding session.

Breastfeeding mothers who have problems getting baby to latch also seem to try all sorts of positions. If you’ve always nursed in a cradle hold, try the football hold or lying down instead. Lie on your back and let your baby lie on top of you. Recline on the couch with baby lying diagonally across your body, with baby’s head at breast level.

Who knows? Perhaps your baby is uncomfortable in the position you have been using and that is affecting his latch.

Nipple Shields Quit Tip #6: Get some help

If you started using nipple shields because of nipple pain or bleeding nipples, this is most likely due to your baby’s latch. A poor latch can cause significant nipple pain and damage.

Seek help from a lactation consultant. Lactation consultants can help you to position your baby for the most comfortable and effective milk transfer, as well as assess your baby’s mouth for a tongue tie.

What if it doesn’t work?

If you aren’t successful at first, use the shield for that breastfeed and try again next time.

While you’re working on getting rid of the shield, keep track of wet and dirty nappies to make sure your baby is still getting enough milk. As your baby feeds, look and listen for swallows. Let your baby finish feeding on one side before switching to the other breast. Use breast compressions to keep your baby breastfeeding longer or to boost the amount of milk baby is getting.

Most of all, keep a positive outlook. Some women use a nipple shield for 6 days, some for 6 weeks, some for 6 months or more. Set your own goals and don’t be afraid to amend them. Look at the nipple shield as a sign of success, not failure. You are doing your best for your baby.