If you experience any pain while breastfeeding, a nurse or midwife may recommend nipple shields. Often, nipple shields are recommended within the first few days of birth as a protective measure. And mostly without proper instructions for using and weaning from them.
But beware. This isn’t a magical solution.
Although they can be a useful tool in some cases they might also reduce your milk supply. If you use the nipple shields incorrectly, you may end up with a bad latch. And as a result your baby may not get enough milk and your body will not get the signal to make enough milk.
So, if you must use a nipple shield, be sure to have a proper latch and try to hand express after each feed to make sure your breast are emptied well.
Above all they tend to increase the risk of developing blocked milk ducts. Be sure to breastfeed frequently – as often as you can.
More importantly experiencing pain during breastfeeding is either a sign that damage is being done or of some underlying condition. It is very important to seek skilled help with positioning, latch and any other problems to get to the root of why a nipple shield is necessary in the first place.
