Nipple shields: when they help

A nipple shield is a thin, flexible silicone cover worn over your nipple while breastfeeding. Used in the right situation and with good guidance, it can be the thing that keeps breastfeeding going through a tricky patch — but it’s best used with support rather than as a first resort. Here’s the balanced picture.

What they are and what they do. A nipple shield sits over your nipple and areola, with small holes at the tip the milk flows through. The idea is to give your baby a larger, firmer target to latch onto, which can help in certain feeding difficulties.

When they can help. A shield is sometimes useful for:

• Latching problems — for example with flat or inverted nipples, or a baby who’s struggling to latch onto the breast
• Premature or small babies learning to feed, who may latch more easily onto a shield
• Very sore or damaged nipples, as a short-term measure to keep feeding while they heal
• Transitioning a baby from bottle back to breast, in some cases

The catch — use with guidance. Shields aren’t a cure-all, and using one without help can sometimes mask an underlying issue (like a poor latch or tongue-tie) rather than fixing it, and occasionally affect milk transfer or supply if the baby isn’t feeding effectively. That’s why the strong advice is to use a shield with the support of a lactation consultant, midwife or child health nurse, who can check your baby is feeding well and help with the root cause.

Using one well. If you use a shield: get the right size, warm it and dampen the edges so it sticks, and centre your nipple in it. Make sure your baby takes a big mouthful (shield and breast tissue), and check they’re feeding effectively — swallowing, and having plenty of wet and dirty nappies and steady weight gain. Keep it clean and sterilised.

Keeping your supply up. Because feeding through a shield isn’t always as efficient, keep an eye on your baby’s output and weight, and your own comfort. Your lactation consultant may suggest expressing as well to protect supply in some situations. Regular feeding and monitoring keep things on track.

Weaning off the shield. Many people are able to stop using the shield over time as latch improves, the nipples heal, or the baby grows — often by starting a feed with the shield and slipping it off partway, or trying without it when your baby is calm. There’s no rush, and some use one for as long as it helps; a lactation consultant can guide you off it when you’re ready.

Where to get help. If you’re reaching for a shield because feeding hurts or your baby won’t latch, please also get a feeding assessment — the ABA helpline (1800 686 268), a lactation consultant or your child health nurse can check what’s going on and make sure the shield is helping, not just covering a fixable problem.

Nipple shields can be a genuinely helpful tool for latch troubles, sore nipples or premature babies — best used with proper support, the right fit, and an eye on your baby’s feeding and growth. If one gets you through a hard patch, great; just loop in a lactation consultant so any underlying issue is sorted too.