How do I use a nipple shield?

My ped thinks I have flat nipples and recommended I try a nipple shield to help with the cracks and blistering I have going on. I bought one and I'm a little confused as to how to use it.

The cut out part goes where his nose goes, right? and then he just sucks through it like it was my nipple? How is this going to help his latch?

How do I use a nipple shield?

i used one in the hospital for my inverted nipples.
the LC told me to pinch the 'nipple' of the nipple shield and push it down. then fit it over your nipple and pull it up so you get a nice tight fit. it wasn't pleasant the first few times. supposedly it helps because it draws your own nipple out more. for me, it didn't work and she still wouldn't latch and i ended up pumping exclusively. GL

How do I use a nipple shield?

The nipple shield helped me so much with my first in the beginning so if you're having trouble with a latch I'd say to at least give it a try. Yes, I think the cut out is meant for the baby's nose but don't stress too much about that - I also had ones that didnt have a cut out. You want the shield to kind of suction on. I think I would kind of flip one side up, place it over the nipple, push down and let go and it would kind of suction on. Sounds confusing but once you do it its not bad. Sometimes it wouldn't really suction on and I'd just hold it in place and that was fine too. There are directions in the package but don't worry about a perfect way - Just make sure your nipple is centered inside the nipple of the shield. As the baby latches your nipple will come through that space - almost like when you pump. It helps the baby latch because its much more prominent so it's easier for them.

It was sometimes helpful to squeeze out some breastmilk into the shield or on the outside so that the baby knows that the milk is there. Using a shield can help with cracking because you have a barrier of sorts between you and the baby but if you already have cracks it may still hurt until they're healed. Another option, if you have a pump, is to start pumping enough to draw your nipples out and then stop and breastfeed. That may make it easier for the baby to latch also. Good luck!

Message edited 5/10/2013 11:20:15 PM.

Re: How do I use a nipple shield?

I used a nipple shield for the first 10 days or so until DD latched on her own. If I remember correctly I just wet it a little and then stuck it over my nipple. It made it easier for DD to latch in those early days when she was still very sleepy.

How do I use a nipple shield?

Is he getting a good latch? Maybe it's not your nipples and just the way he is latching. I didn't like nipple shields at all. My twins were born small (4.5 ad 5.5 pounds) and I couldn't nurse right away it took about 8 weeks to get them to nurse. I would pump every 3 hours and sometimes I would use the pump to start and then try to nurse. You know how the pump stretches out your nipple? Maybe try offering him to nurse after pumping a little while so that it is all soft and stretched out. Maybe he will latch better?