Breastfeeding is more than just nourishing the baby, it’s an intimate bond between mother and the baby combined with love and comfort. It strengthens the emotional bond and brings a sense of peace to the mother. As it is a whole new journey altogether, there might be some challenges like latch difficulties, sore or cracked nipples, which can be overwhelming. Firstly, it is important to understand that it is common and might be resolved if you use the right breast care accessory – Nipple Shield.
But what exactly is a nipple shield for smooth breastfeeding and when to use a nipple shield? Let’s break it down.
What is a Nipple Shield
A thin protective cover made of soft and flexible silicone is called a Nipple Shield. It is firmly placed over the nipples of nursing mothers to temporarily help babies troubling with latching issues. There are many benefits of using nipple shield for nursing moms as it encourages a natural suckling motion and allows easy milk flow into baby’s mouth through the holes in the tip of the teat. Moreover, it also creates a shield to help breastfeeding mom struggling with sore or cracked nipples and minimize discomfort.
By understanding how to use nipple shield for breastfeeding, mothers can continue nursing comfortably while giving their babies the nourishment they need.
When to use a Nipple Shield
Here are some common circumstances where using a breast nipple shield may be helpful, including:
1. Difficulty with latching
Some babies struggle to latch due to flat or inverted nipples, this makes it harder for the baby to get a good grip. On the other hand, there are some babies who have poor suckling coordination. That’s when using the Vega Baby & Mom Nipple Shield which is made with medical grade ultra-soft thin silicone, ensuring maximum relief and comfort to the mother may be helpful. This nipple shield offers gentle and comfortable feeding. It comes with a unique design ensuring maximum skin-to-skin contact and anti-slip gripping lines, making sure the nipple is placed firmly onto the nipple and has a better grip. It comes in a protective case thus easy and hygienic to use and carry on travels.
2. Sore or cracked painful nipples
When nipples are sore or cracked, it makes breastfeeding extremely uncomfortable and sometimes unbearable. That’s when you need to use our nipple shield designed with an extended shape and wide coverage area (13~16mm Nipple diameter) the nipple shield ensures the nipple is rightly covered. This makes feeding manageable and allows mothers to continue breastfeeding instead of stopping out of pain. It is important to choose the right nipple shield size for proper milk supply.
3. Breasts are too soft or tender
In the initial stages of breastfeeding, some mothers notice that their breasts feel very soft or even tender to touch. This can make it difficult for the baby to latch on properly, and painful for the mother to continue feeding. That’s when a breast nipple shield is helpful as it reduces pain by creating a thin layer of protection. Our nipple shield supports controlled milk flow regulation preventing baby from choking, thanks to its unique cut out shape and 4 holes nipple.
4. Baby is teething
When babies are teething, they may bite down or clamp harder on the nipple for comfort. This can cause significant pain for mothers and may even lead to cracks or irritation. In such scenario, nipple shield helps by creating a protective barrier to reducing the direct impact of biting on the nipple. It makes the breastfeeding experience more manageable for the nursing mom while allow continued breastfeeding.
Key Takeaways
Nipple shield for breastfeeding can be a helpful breast care accessory for mothers facing common feeding challenges. Another important breast care tool that helps nursing moms struggling with flat or inverted nipples is the Vega Baby & Mom Nipple Puller. You can try it out by simply placing it on the nipple area to manually draw out the inverted or flat nipple pain-free for better latch and breastfeeding experience. It has a bell-shaped mouth to create the right suction for gentle and painless suction.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for general purpose only and is not a substitute for professional advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making any decision regarding your baby's health and care.
FAQs:
How to properly use a nipple shield?
- Express a few drops of breastmilk onto the tip of the nipple shield.
- Place the nipple shield over nipple by turning it outwards.
- Insert nipple into the nipple shield hole, and place it firmly on the skin.
- Place your hands in the anti-slip gripping lines on the shield for a firm grip and feed.
When should you consider using a nipple shield?
Nipple Shield can be used:
- When newborn babies have trouble latching onto their mother’s breast.
- When the mothers have flat or inverted nipples.
- When sore or cracked nipples cause discomfort while breastfeeding.
- When the mother's breasts are too soft or tender to breastfeed.
- When babies are teething.
How do you choose the right size and type of nipple shield?
Ensure the nipple shield is designed with an extended shape and wide coverage area so that it ensures the nipple is fully covered.
