Using shields may not make your nursing experience perfect, but they can help. The following tips should make your journey a little easier.

Material: Nipple shields are typically made of rubber or silicone, but all of the options on our list are made of silicone. We like silicone because it’s soft and pliable for baby, yet remains quite durable and heat-resistant so it can hold up after many washes. A major pro of silicone is that because it’s clear, it’s easier to see if baby is latching correctly. However, whatever you choose, Dr. Chan recommends looking for one that does not have any texture because that may irritate or confuse your baby. From the makers of the popular baby bottles, Dr. Brown’s Nipple Shields are one of the few on the market to offer extended sizing: Their Size 1 nipple shield goes up to 24 mm, while the Size 2 is appropriate for those 25 mm and above. Most nipple shields max out around 23 or 24 mm, making this one of the best options for moms with larger nipples. (Other good options include the Medela 24 mm and the Haakaa Nipple Shield with its round, wide base.) The enormous success that Silverette the original are having in Italy, Europe and in the rest of the world makes them extremely popular. Other experts have expressed concerns that babies get "addicted" to nipple shields, which makes it harder to breastfeed without them, and may contribute to earlier-than-planned weaning.Place your thumbs on the base of the nipple, then flip it halfway inside out. That'll leave a small dimple at the end. Your nipple should be drawn into the nipple area of the shield as deeply as possible once it’s applied. Silverette are a Class I Medical Device – Regulation 745/2017. The silver cups are in accordance with the law (5.02.1934) related to the double hallmark on silver products. After your breastfeeding session, leave a couple of milk drops in each cup and apply them directly to the nipple like cupping glass. Remove cups and rise accurately the nipples with water before breastfeeding. Do not use any other nipple treatment in conjunction with Silverette ®: this could reduce or even compromise the efficacy of the product. Although nipple shields aren’t used by all breastfeeding moms, they can come in handy for those who are having issues getting their babies to latch. Most lactation consultants and breastfeeding experts suggest using nipple shields as a temporary, short-term solution to breastfeeding issues.

We spoke with one mom on the BabyCenter editorial team who used nipple shields while breastfeeding. A lot of lactation professionals will avoid using a nipple shield unless it’s necessary. Some of the disadvantages of using a nipple shield are: Thin, lightweight and soft for Mum and baby, Pigeon shields are suitable for inverted, damaged or flat nipples. With a curved shape, they make it easy for baby to breathe freely while maximising skin-to-skin comfort throughout breastfeeding. You have inverted, short or flat nipples. A nipple shield helps by making your nipple longer and harder. Nipple shields are generally made of a pliable silicone material. If you are allergic to silicone, rubber or latex models are available, although they’re harder to find.Like breast pump flanges, nipple shields are made to fit nipples of different diameters, measured in millimeters. You can find out how big your nipples are by measuring them side-to-side, across the whole nipple, without including your areola. Then compare your size to the size charts from nipple shield manufacturers. Speak to a lactation consultant before using a nipple shield. They’ll want to try other methods to improve breastfeeding before recommending a nipple shield. Once your baby gets the hang of nursing and things are going more smoothly, your lactation consultant can help you stop using, or wean from, a nipple shield. What does a nipple shield help with? The most common nipple shields are the 24 mm size, but they do range in size from 16 mm to 30 mm, depending on the brand," says Dr. Madden. Of course, a lactation consultant can best help you choose and use a nipple shield correctly. Do I need nipple shields?

By the way, don't confuse nipple shields with breast shields, which are part of your breast pump system and connect with your pump flanges. Breast shields are not intended to be worn while breastfeeding. What size nipple shield should I buy? I rarely recommend nipple shields for long term use due to concerns about a decrease in breast milk supply," says Dr. Madden. Though some research supports this, other research has found that nipple shields don't impact supply. Painful damaged nipples: When women develop what Dr. Madden calls "excoriated" nipples, nipple shields can help reduce further tissue damage. However, Dr. Madden says, the friction of the shields' silicone can also cause soreness. "This friction is usually worse if a nipple shield is too small, so it’s important to use the right size of shield in the setting of nipple soreness and breakdown," Dr. Madden says. Get the haakaa shield. It's built like a bottle nipple on a huge suction base. A regular shield won't work for this type of nipple we have."Put your nipple into that dimple. Then, stretch the silicone base of the nipple shield over your breast. Breastfeeding can be a wonderful experience for mothers and babies, but it's not always easy. Some mothers experience pain during breastfeeding, or have infants who have difficulty latching. When these situations arise, a nipple shield can help.