Silicon Nipple Shields
Thin silicon shield with feeding holes, helps newborn latch on to the breast, also during reintroduction to the breast after bottle-feeding.
For most mothers, breastfeeding takes a bit of practice and early latch on problems are not unusual. Sometimes the temporary use of nipple shields is recommended, made from thin, soft, silicone that won’t interfere with nipple stimulation allow baby to feed through the shield. The shield will help to keep the nipple in an extended position making feeding easier, milk will pool in the shield when baby pauses, giving baby instant reward for trying again.
If the nipples are flat or inverted the nipple shield can help by keeping baby interested, the shield will give baby sensation deep in the mouth stimulating baby to keep sucking, over time the nipples will become pliable and the shields can be discarded.
Returning to breast feeding
If baby has been away from the breast and become used to bottle feeding the nipple shield can be used to reintroduce the nipple back to baby, this is best introduced when baby is not hungry, after a few sessions baby should return to the breast, possibly using the shields at the very beginning of each feed.
Nipple shields come in two sizes this is dependant on the size of babies mouth, the shield may make baby gag if the shield is too long.
The nipple shields must be washed after each use and boiled each day.
The shield is designed to help with a problem not as a long-term solution, consult your breast-feeding professional for further assistance
