Breastfeeding Nipple Shield

To start with, we recommend trying out your nipple shield when you do not immediately need to use it. It is helpful to familiarise yourself with the product and find the easiest/comfiest way to apply and wear it while you are relaxed and under no time constraints. This way, when it comes to needing the shield, you know exactly how to use it. It may not work the first time, but as with anything, practice makes perfect. If possible, practice on your less-damaged nipple (if there is a difference between the two), as this will help you to try different ways more comfortably.

With our Breastfeeding Nipple Shields, the trick to achieving comfortable suction levels comes from how much air is squeezed out of the shield's chamber before placing it onto your nipple. If you experience pain while wearing the shield, the suction might be too strong. Practise applying the shield and squeezing the chamber a little more or little less each time to find the most comfortable suction level for you. Our bodies constantly change during breastfeeding, so what may have worked the first time may not work the next. It's all about getting to know the product and finding which way best suits you and your body.

The results of the Nipple Aspirators are not permanent. Due to this, and the fact nipple stimulation carries the risk of triggering contractions, we do not recommend using them while pregnant.

Using a nipple shield can affect milk supply, but whether it increases or decreases supply depends on various factors. If your baby has trouble latching without a nipple shield, using one can improve their latch and potentially help maintain or increase your milk supply. However, improper use or frequent reliance on a nipple shield can hinder milk flow and decrease supply.

It's crucial to ensure you're using the correct size and apply the nipple shield correctly. If you're concerned about your milk supply while using a nipple shield, consult a lactation consultant or your healthcare provider. They can offer personalised guidance and help you optimise breastfeeding with a nipple shield if necessary.

Our Ultra-thin Silicone Nipple Shields are a standard design with a thin silicone protective layer, which still allows for close skin-to-skin contact for mum and baby but gives a little more protection to sore nipples.

Our Breastfeeding Nipple Shields are slightly different. They are a patented design made of slightly thicker silicone than a standard nipple shield and feature an extended teat + chamber to provide more protection to cracked and/or bleeding nipples. They also have either a bottle- or orthodontic, thumb-shaped teat at the end, each with an anti-colic, variable flow opening, which allows your baby to drink continuously without gasping for air or drinking bubbles and prevents them from choking if milk flows too fast. The Breastfeeding Nipple Shields work based on suction, similar to our pumps. By squeezing the chamber when attaching it to your nipple, it will suction onto the breast, which can also help with flat or inverted nipples.

We have two base shapes:

• Round – larger, covers more surface area, suctions onto the breast easier, and is generally better suited to those new to using nipple shields.
• Triangle – allows for more skin-to-skin contact with your baby and is better suited to mothers who are more experienced with using nipple shields.

We also have two teat shapes:

• Orthodontic teat – the thumb-shaped design replicates the shape and feel of a mother's nipple during breastfeeding, making it more readily accepted by your baby.
• Nipple/bottle teat – replicates the silicone teat of a baby bottle and is better suited to help babies transition from breast to bottle.

This product is designed for mothers who physically cannot breastfeed due to sore, cracked nipples and should only be used in the interim before returning to natural breastfeeding once your nipple has healed. If you are able to breastfeed successfully and experience slight discomfort, we suggest using our traditional Silicone Nipple Shields as a protective alternative if your nipples become raw and sore.

To prevent a Breastfeeding Nipple Shield from collapsing:

• Check for damage and replace if necessary. Check the nipple shield for any signs of damage, such as cracks, holes, or wear and tear. A damaged shield is more likely to collapse during use.
• Apply it correctly, ensuring a snug fit. Hold it securely in place over your nipple and make sure it is centred. It should adhere to your breast without any gaps or air pockets.
• Before attaching the shield, express a small amount of breastmilk onto the inside of the shield. This can help create a better seal and reduce the likelihood of collapse.
• Ensure your baby latches onto the shield correctly (if you are unsure what a correct latch looks like, please consult your midwife or a lactation consultant for advice).
• Observe your baby's sucking pattern to avoid the shield collapsing.
• Experiment with different shield types. Some nipple shields have a thicker, more rigid design that may be less prone to collapsing.
• If you continue to experience problems with the nipple shield collapsing, consider seeking help from a lactation consultant, midwife or medical professional.