However, the less surface area the shield covers, the easier it is for the shield to shift around while in use, which can be frustrating.

To determine your nipple shield size, grab a ruler or measuring tape and measure the diameter of your nipple at the base, but be sure to not include the areola and measure in millimeters. If you find yourself confused, just remember that 1 centimeter is equivalent to 10 millimeters. 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: If you have a preemie or baby with a tongue tie, you may be especially prone to struggles with latching. Using a nipple shield can make it easier for your baby to latch on. Think of a nipple shield as “breastfeeding training” for your baby. Once they’ve mastered the art of latching on and breastfeeding, you should be able to nurse without the shield.Ultimately, however, you have to weigh the pros and cons and determine what is best for your situation and feeding goals. Place your thumbs on the base of the nipple, then flip it halfway inside out. That'll leave a small dimple at the end. Your nipple should be drawn into the nipple area of the shield as deeply as possible once it’s applied. Get the haakaa shield. It's built like a bottle nipple on a huge suction base. A regular shield won't work for this type of nipple we have." From the makers of the popular baby bottles, Dr. Brown’s Nipple Shields are one of the few on the market to offer extended sizing: Their Size 1 nipple shield goes up to 24 mm, while the Size 2 is appropriate for those 25 mm and above. Most nipple shields max out around 23 or 24 mm, making this one of the best options for moms with larger nipples. (Other good options include the Medela 24 mm and the Haakaa Nipple Shield with its round, wide base.)

Your baby has a tongue-tie, tongue thrust or retracted tongue. These can be fixed or may improve over time.

Nipple shields come in different sizes and shapes, and though most are made of silicone, not all are. Here are some types you'll find.

They are the ideal solution for those mothers who experience the onset of breast fissures and other similar pathologies.

Breastfeeding may be natural, but it sure doesn’t always come so naturally for some new moms. And guess what? That’s okay! Silverette ® the original are cups made of 925 silver for effective protection of the nipple during the breastfeeding period. A nipple shield is a flexible silicone cover placed over the areola whilst nursing, permitting the flow of milk. Some mummas will have sore, inverted or flat nipples during the newborn phase and need extra protection or something for baby to latch onto. Whatever your reason, nipple shields can be a helpful step towards breastfeeding success. Your nipple shield will come with instructions you can follow. If you’re working with a lactation consultant, ask them to show you how to put on the nipple shield. How should a nipple shield fit?

You can get a nipple shield at retail stores, pharmacies or through your healthcare provider or lactation professional. They are often available at the hospital after you deliver your baby. How do I clean my nipple shield? Like breast pump flanges, nipple shields are made to fit nipples of different diameters, measured in millimeters. You can find out how big your nipples are by measuring them side-to-side, across the whole nipple, without including your areola. Then compare your size to the size charts from nipple shield manufacturers. The most important factor in choosing the best nipple shield for you is the fit. Just as nipples vary in size, so do nipple shields. You’ll need to find a good fit for your nipple and also for your baby’s mouth. It may take more than one try to find the best fit, but nipple shields are relatively inexpensive and, when fitted correctly, are worth the hassle. Express a few drops of your breastmilk onto the inside of the nipple shield. This will help prevent rubbing and improve the seal that the nipple shield makes with your breast.

How long can I use a nipple shield?

After your breastfeeding session, leave a couple of milk drops in each cup and apply them directly to the nipple like cupping glass. Remove cups and rise accurately the nipples with water before breastfeeding. Do not use any other nipple treatment in conjunction with Silverette ®: this could reduce or even compromise the efficacy of the product. Speak to a lactation consultant before using a nipple shield. They’ll want to try other methods to improve breastfeeding before recommending a nipple shield. Once your baby gets the hang of nursing and things are going more smoothly, your lactation consultant can help you stop using, or wean from, a nipple shield. What does a nipple shield help with? 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: I rarely recommend nipple shields for long term use due to concerns about a decrease in breast milk supply," says Dr. Madden. Though some research supports this, other research has found that nipple shields don't impact supply.