Nipple shields to support breastfeeding

A nipple shield may make feeding easier if:

• your pēpi was born early (premature), ill or small
• you have inverted nipples where after several attempts pēpi either cannot latch or cannot latch properly.

Nipple shields can:

• keep your nipple in an extended position, making it easier for your pēpi to latch and pause without losing suction
• allow milk to collect in the tip, providing an immediate reward when your pēpi starts sucking again
• help if your pēpi was born early (premature) to drink more milk and put on weight.
  
  

Nipple shields will not help if you have sore or damaged nipples from your pēpi not latching properly. If you have nipple pain, ask your midwife or doctor for support with positioning and attachment.

Nipple shields come in several sizes.

A large (24mm) size allows more nipple and the area around your nipple (areola) to be drawn in. 

Smaller sizes (20mm and 16mm) are available but if you use a shield that is too small it may cause pain, nipple damage, and poor feeding

Get the shield ready

1. Wash and dry your hands.
2. If your shield has a cut-out, decide where your baby’s nose will be when feeding.
3. Warm the shield with hot water to help it stick.
4. Turn the brim of the shield back and stretch the part where the teat joins the brim.
5. Place the stretched shield over your nipple and release it so your nipple is drawn into the teat.
6. Express a few drops of milk into the teat to encourage your pēpi to latch.

Latch your baby

1. Hold the teat just above your baby’s top lip and touch their lips with the shield or your breast.
2. Wait for your pēpi to open their mouth wide, then bring them onto the breast.
3. Your baby’s lips should cover part of the shield’s brim – if you can see the teat, your pēpi is not latched properly.
4. Use breast compressions and gentle massage to help your milk to flow.
5. Check the shield during feeding to make sure milk is inside and your pēpi is swallowing.

• Rinse the shield after each use, wash with hot soapy water, rinse again, and store in a clean covered container.
• Once a day, sterilise by boiling in water or using a microwave steriliser.

If your pēpi was born before 37 weeks or weighs less than 3kg, you may need to express to keep up your milk supply. Expressing once a day on top of breastfeeding can help make sure you produce enough milk.

You can stop using the nipple shield when:

• your pēpi is feeding well, gaining weight, and having at least 6 to 8 wet nappies a day
• your breasts feel softer after feeding, and you can hear your pēpi is swallowing frequently.

If you have been using a shield for inverted nipples:

1. Start feeding with the shield in place.
2. Once your pēpi is feeding well, gently remove the shield and try latching without it.
3. If your pēpi will not latch, use the shield again and try without it at another feed.
4. Choose a time when you and your pēpi are relaxed and free of distractions.

If your pēpi was born early (premature) they may need a nipple shield for longer.

For more support, talk to your midwife or doctor.