Nipple shields

A baby's sucking technique differs between sucking the nipple and sucking a nipple shield. When sucking a nipple, the nipple is pulled all the way to the back of the mouth and the baby makes massaging movements with its tongue to induce the flow of milk. When sucking on a nipple shield, the teat remains in the front of the mouth and the baby's nipple cannot be massaged well enough. When sucking on a nipple shield, the nipple does not come properly in the back of the baby's mouth.

The standard use of nipple shields is not recommended. There are a number of disadvantages to using nipple shields:

• Chance of suction confusion.
• The nipple is not in the back of the mouth, the nipple is held back by the top of the nipple shield.
• The nerve endings in the areola are less stimulated (there is a plastic layer in between). As a result, less clear signals are sent to the brain and there is a possibility that less prolactin is secreted and therefore less milk is made.
• Because the breast is sometimes not drained properly via a nipple shield, it is possible that your baby receives less nutrition and therefore grows less well.
• If the breast is not drained properly, the risk of breast inflammation is greater. That is why it is recommended to empty your breasts at least once a day when using a nipple shield.

If you are considering using a nipple shield, it is a good idea to ask a lactation consultant for guidance. She can advise you on the correct size and use of a nipple shield. She also gives additional advice on how to prevent your milk production from declining.