Can Nipple Shield Increase Milk Supply?

The answer to whether a nipple shield can increase milk supply is nuanced. For most parents, a nipple shield does not directly signal the body to make more milk. However, in specific circumstances, it can lead to a higher milk intake for the baby. This improved intake can indirectly support your supply by ensuring the breast is being utilized. If you want a broader breakdown of how supply works, our guide on how breast milk supply works is a helpful next step.

Support for Premature Babies

Research suggests that for premature infants, a nipple shield may significantly increase the amount of milk they receive at the breast. Premature babies often have underdeveloped oral motor skills. They may tire easily or have trouble maintaining a latch. A shield provides a structured shape that is easier for them to grasp.

When a premature baby can stay latched longer and suckle more effectively, they remove more milk. In one study, infants using a shield took in significantly more milk than those trying to nurse without one. This increased "milk transfer" is vital. If the baby can remove milk effectively, your body receives the signal to keep producing it.

Enabling the Act of Breastfeeding

If a baby cannot latch at all, they cannot stimulate milk production through nursing. In this scenario, using a shield allows the baby to nurse when they otherwise might have needed a bottle. By keeping the baby at the breast, you are providing the hormonal stimulation needed for milk production. Prolactin and oxytocin are the hormones responsible for making and releasing milk.

These hormones are released in response to your baby’s touch and suckling. If the shield is the only way your baby can latch, it is the tool that allows this hormonal process to happen. In this way, it can help establish a supply that might have otherwise struggled to start. It acts as a bridge that keeps the "supply and demand" cycle moving.

Key Takeaway: A nipple shield may increase the amount of milk a baby removes during a feed, especially for premature infants or those with latching struggles.

Situations Where a Nipple Shield is Helpful

While the goal is often to nurse directly on the skin, several situations make a shield a helpful choice. Using one can sometimes be the difference between continuing your journey and stopping earlier than you planned.

Flat or Inverted Nipples: If your nipples do not protrude far, your baby may have trouble finding a target. The shield provides a firm, pointed shape that reaches the back of the baby's mouth.
Severe Nipple Pain: If you have cracked or bleeding nipples, the pain can be so intense that you dread feedings. A shield can provide a protective barrier while you heal.
Transitioning from Bottle to Breast: Some babies get used to the firm feel of a bottle nipple. A silicone shield feels similar to a bottle, which can help a "bottle-preferring" baby accept the breast.
Weak Suckle: Babies with certain neurological challenges or physical weaknesses may find the shield easier to hold in their mouths.

Our Lady Leche supplement can be a great companion during these times. It is designed to support milk flow and volume using traditional herbs. When you are working through latch issues with a shield, supporting your body from the inside can provide extra peace of mind.

The Risk of Reduced Milk Supply

It is important to acknowledge that nipple shields can sometimes lead to a decrease in milk supply if not managed carefully. The shield creates a physical barrier between your baby’s mouth and your breast tissue. This barrier can sometimes interfere with the natural stimulation your body needs.

Reduced Stimulation

Breastfeeding relies on the baby’s tongue and jaw compressing the milk ducts and stimulating the nerves in the nipple. When a shield is in the way, the nerves may not receive the same level of input. If your brain doesn't receive strong signals that a baby is nursing, it may slow down milk production over time.

Incomplete Drainage

A nipple shield can sometimes make it harder for a baby to fully "drain" the breast. Milk production is a local process. When milk stays in the breast, a protein called Feedback Inhibitor of Lactation (FIL) builds up. This protein tells your milk-making cells to slow down. If the shield prevents the baby from removing all the available milk, your supply might begin to dip.

If you are looking for practical ways to protect output during this stage, our article on effective ways to increase expressed milk supply can help.

How to Protect Your Supply While Using a Shield

If you need to use a nipple shield, there are several steps you can take to ensure your milk supply stays robust. You do not have to choose between using a shield and having a full supply.

Pumping After Feedings

Many lactation consultants recommend "triple feeding" or simply pumping for a few minutes after a session with a shield. This ensures that any milk the baby left behind is removed. It also provides the extra nerve stimulation that the shield might have blocked. Using a high-quality breast pump can help mimic the baby's natural rhythm.

Practicing Skin-to-Skin

Spend as much time as possible in skin-to-skin contact with your baby, even when you aren't feeding. Hold your baby against your bare chest. This releases oxytocin, which helps with the "let-down" reflex. The let-down reflex is when your milk begins to flow into the ducts. More skin contact often leads to more frequent nursing attempts and a stronger hormonal connection.

Monitoring Output

Keep a close eye on your baby's diapers and weight gain. This is the most reliable way to know if they are getting enough milk through the shield. A baby who is getting enough milk will generally have six or more heavy wet diapers and several dirty diapers every 24 hours.

Using Lactation Support Products

Incorporating lactation-friendly snacks can be a helpful way to nourish yourself. Our Emergency Lactation Brownies are a favorite for many moms. They are packed with ingredients like oats and flaxseed that have been used for generations to support lactation. Having a delicious treat can also help reduce stress, which is always good for milk flow.

What to do next:

Consult a certified lactation consultant to check the fit of your shield.

Add a 10-minute pumping session after at least three feedings a day.

Track wet and dirty diapers daily.

Ensure you are staying hydrated and well-nourished.

Ensuring a Proper Fit

The size of the nipple shield matters significantly. If the shield is too small, it can pinch your nipple and cause pain or damage. If it is too large, the baby may swallow too much air or have trouble maintaining suction. A poorly fitted shield is a common reason for a drop in milk supply.

To find the right size, you should measure the diameter of your nipple at the base. Most brands offer sizes like 16mm, 20mm, or 24mm. The tip of the shield should be slightly larger than your nipple. Your nipple should be able to move freely inside the tip without rubbing against the sides.

When applying the shield, many parents find it helpful to turn the brim halfway inside out. Place the tip over your nipple and then flip the brim down onto your breast. This creates a bit of suction that helps the shield stay in place. Moistening the edges with a little water or breast milk can also help it stick to your skin.

Signs Your Baby is Transferring Milk Well

Since you can't see exactly how much milk is moving through the shield, you have to look for other cues. Learning these signs will help you feel more confident that your supply is being maintained.

First, look at the tip of the shield. You should see milk filling the space during the feed. After the baby finishes, there is often a small pool of milk left inside the shield. This is a good sign that milk is flowing.

Second, listen for swallowing. You should hear a soft "k" sound or see a deep jaw movement that indicates a swallow. In the beginning of the feed, the baby will usually have fast, shallow sucks. Once the milk lets down, the sucks should become slower and deeper.

Third, check your breasts after the feed. They should feel softer and lighter than they did before you started. If your breasts still feel full or heavy after the baby is done, they may not be removing enough milk. In this case, hand expression or pumping can help finish the job.

Weaning From the Nipple Shield

For most families, the goal is eventually to nurse without the shield. This process requires patience. You should never feel pressured to rush it, but starting to practice can help boost your supply by increasing direct stimulation.

A common technique is to start the feed with the nipple shield. Once your milk has let down and the baby is calm and satisfied, gently break the suction and remove the shield. Try to latch the baby directly to your breast. Because the nipple is already elongated from the shield, the baby might find it easier to latch.

You can also try offering the breast without the shield during "sleepy" times. Babies are often more receptive to change when they are half-asleep or just waking up. Their natural instincts are closer to the surface during these times. If the baby becomes frustrated, simply put the shield back on and try again another day. The goal is to keep the breast a happy, stress-free place for both of you.

If you want a more complete overview of support options, our How to Support and Increase Milk Supply Naturally guide is a useful companion read.

Maintaining Your Wellness

Your physical and emotional well-being plays a massive role in your milk supply. Stress can inhibit the let-down reflex, making it harder for milk to leave the breast. When you are using a tool like a nipple shield, you might feel extra stress about whether things are "working" correctly.

Make sure you are eating enough calories and drinking plenty of water. Breastfeeding requires a lot of energy. Our Pump Hero supplement can be a great addition to your routine. It is formulated to help support a healthy supply without the use of certain herbs that some moms prefer to avoid.

If you are just starting your breastfeeding education, the Breastfeeding 101 course can also be a helpful place to build confidence.

Remember that you're doing an amazing job. Using a nipple shield is a proactive step to ensure your baby is fed. It is a sign of your dedication to your breastfeeding goals. Every drop counts, and the bond you are building with your baby is the most important part of the journey.

Conclusion

A nipple shield is a valuable tool that can help many families overcome early breastfeeding hurdles. While it may not directly increase milk supply for everyone, it can improve milk transfer for premature babies and keep the nursing relationship alive during difficult times. By staying proactive with pumping, ensuring a good fit, and monitoring your baby's growth, you can successfully use a shield without compromising your supply.

A shield can help premature babies take in more milk.
Pumping after shield use helps maintain your supply.
Proper sizing is essential for comfort and milk flow.
Skin-to-skin contact supports the hormones needed for lactation.

At Milky Mama, we are here to support you every step of the way. Whether you need lactation treats, herbal supplements, or just a bit of encouragement, you can also browse our lactation supplement and drink support options. You have the strength and the tools to reach your breastfeeding goals.

"Breastfeeding is a journey of a thousand miles, and sometimes you just need a little help to get through the first few steps. Trust your body, listen to your baby, and don't be afraid to use the tools available to you."

If you are concerned about your supply or how your baby is latching, we recommend speaking with a certified lactation consultant. They can provide personalized guidance to ensure you and your baby are thriving.

FAQ

Can using a nipple shield cause my milk supply to drop?

It is possible for a nipple shield to lead to a decrease in supply if it prevents the breast from being fully emptied. Because the shield is a barrier, it may also reduce the stimulation your body receives. To prevent this, many parents pump for a few minutes after nursing sessions to ensure the breasts are well-drained. If you need more one-on-one help, our breastfeeding help and consultation page is a good place to start.

How do I know if the nipple shield is the right size?

The shield should fit comfortably over your nipple without pinching or rubbing. There should be a small space between the end of your nipple and the tip of the shield. If your nipple feels sore or looks squashed after a feed, you likely need a different size.

Will my baby get enough milk through a nipple shield?

Most babies can get plenty of milk through a shield if they have a deep latch and the shield fits correctly. You can tell your baby is getting enough by listening for swallows and monitoring their weight gain and diaper output. If you are worried, a weighted feed with a lactation consultant can confirm how much milk is being transferred. For more practical tips, the Milk Supply Resource Center can be a helpful reference point.

How long can I safely use a nipple shield?

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Can Nipple Shield Increase Milk Supply?

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Introduction

What is a Nipple Shield?