Is a Nipple Shield Good for Breastfeeding?

The short answer is that a nipple shield is an excellent tool when it is used for the right reasons under the guidance of a professional. It is not a "magic fix" for all breastfeeding problems, but it can bridge the gap between a difficult start and a successful long-term nursing relationship.

For many families, the shield provides a way for the baby to receive milk at the breast rather than switching to a bottle. This keeps the baby practiced at the breast while the parent works on underlying issues. However, because it acts as a barrier, it is important to understand both the benefits and the potential hurdles.

When a Nipple Shield is Often Recommended

There are several specific scenarios where an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) might suggest using a nipple shield. An IBCLC is a healthcare professional who specializes in the clinical management of breastfeeding.

Flat or Inverted Nipples

Some parents have nipples that do not protrude very far, which are called flat nipples. Others have nipples that pull inward when stimulated, known as inverted nipples. For a baby to latch deeply, they usually need to feel the nipple touch the roof of their mouth. This touch triggers the sucking reflex, which is the instinctive way a baby knows to begin nursing.

A nipple shield provides a firm, consistent shape that stays extended. This helps the baby find the "target" and triggers that vital sucking reflex. Over time, the suction from the shield can actually help draw out the natural nipple, making it easier to nurse without the shield later on. If you want a more detailed walkthrough of the latch mechanics, our 5 Steps To Get The Perfect Latch guide is a helpful next read.

Premature Babies

Babies born early often have smaller mouths and less muscle tone than full-term infants. They may tire easily or struggle to maintain a deep latch. The silicone of the shield is firmer than human skin, which provides a stronger stimulus to the baby's palate. This can help a premature baby stay "connected" to the breast and suckle more effectively, allowing them to get more milk with less effort.

Transitioning from Bottle to Breast

If your baby has spent time in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) or has used bottles early on, they might become accustomed to the feel of a firm bottle teat. This is sometimes called nipple confusion or nipple preference. Because a shield feels more like a bottle nipple than the soft tissue of a breast, it can act as a transition tool. It helps the baby feel comfortable at the breast while they learn that milk comes from you, too.

Severe Nipple Pain or Damage

Breastfeeding should not be painful, but sometimes a poor latch leads to cracked, bleeding, or blistered nipples. While the primary goal should always be to fix the latch, a nipple shield can act like a protective glove. It allows the skin to heal by reducing the direct friction of the baby's tongue against the damaged area. We want you to feel comfortable while you nurse, and sometimes a shield provides the relief needed to keep going. If you are wondering whether pain is tied to a shallow latch, our How to Know if You Have a Good Latch Breastfeeding: 5 Signs guide can help you spot the difference.

Oral Anatomy Challenges

Sometimes a baby has a physical challenge, such as a tongue-tie or a high-arched palate. A tongue-tie occurs when the small string of tissue under the tongue is too short or tight, limiting the tongue's movement. These issues can make it hard for the baby to "cup" the breast. A shield can help compensate for these mechanical difficulties by providing a stable shape for the baby to hold onto.

What to do next:

Assess if you are experiencing one of the challenges listed above.

Reach out to a lactation professional to confirm if a shield is appropriate for your situation.

Ensure you have the right size shield before starting.

Potential Challenges of Using a Nipple Shield

While a shield can be a great help, it is not without risks. Knowing these risks allows you to take steps to prevent them.

Reduced Milk Transfer

Because the shield is an extra layer of silicone between the baby and the breast, it can sometimes interfere with how much milk the baby actually gets. If the shield is not fitted or applied correctly, the baby might only be sucking on the tip of the silicone rather than the breast tissue itself. This can lead to the baby getting "tired" before they are full.

Impacts on Milk Supply

Breast milk production works on a supply and demand system. When the baby removes milk, your body receives a signal to make more. If the shield prevents the baby from effectively "draining" the breast, your body might think the baby needs less milk than they actually do. This can lead to a drop in your milk supply over time.

To support your supply while navigating these challenges, our Pumping Queen™ supplement is designed to support lactation for those who may be worried about their output.

Risk of Blocked Ducts and Mastitis

If the breast is not being emptied well, milk can back up in the ducts. This can cause a painful lump known as a clogged duct. If left untreated, it can lead to mastitis, which is an inflammation of the breast tissue that often comes with flu-like symptoms. Frequent nursing and ensuring a good fit with the shield are the best ways to avoid this. For a deeper dive, our Mastitis Or Blocked Duct? guide breaks down the difference.

Dependency

Some babies become so used to the firm feel of the silicone that they refuse to latch on the bare breast. This is not a reason to avoid the shield if you need it, but it is a reason to stay in close contact with a lactation consultant to help you transition away from it when the time is right.

How to Choose the Correct Size

Using the wrong size nipple shield is one of the most common reasons for pain and low milk supply. Nipple shields are measured in millimeters (mm), usually based on the width of the crown.

To find your size, you need to measure the diameter of your nipple at the base. You should not include the areola in this measurement.

The shield should be large enough that your nipple can move freely inside the tip.
Your nipple should not rub against the sides of the silicone "hat."
If the shield is too small, it will pinch and cause pain.
If the shield is too large, it may slip off or cause a shallow latch.

Most brands offer sizes like 16mm, 20mm, and 24mm. Every body is different, and you might even need a different size for each breast.

Step-by-Step: How to Apply a Nipple Shield Correctly

Simply placing the shield on your breast like a hat usually results in it falling off or causing a shallow latch. Follow these steps for a more secure fit:

Moisten the rim: Use a little bit of warm water or a drop of breast milk around the edge of the shield. This helps it "suction" to your skin.
The "Inversion" Trick: Use your thumbs to flip the brim of the shield halfway inside out. This should create a little "dimple" at the tip of the crown.
Center and Stretch: Place the tip of the shield directly over your nipple. As you smooth the edges down onto your areola, the shield will pull your nipple slightly into the crown.
Check the Position: If the shield has a "cut-out" section, position it so the baby’s nose will be against your actual skin. This allows them to smell you, which is a powerful feeding trigger.
The Latch: Aim the tip of the shield toward the roof of the baby’s mouth. Wait for a wide-open mouth (like a big yawn) before bringing the baby onto the breast.

Monitoring Your Baby’s Intake

When using a shield, you must be a "detective" to ensure your baby is getting enough milk. Since you cannot see exactly how much is being transferred, you should look for these signs:

Swallowing: You should hear or see a "k-huh" sound or a deep jaw motion that indicates a swallow.
Soft Breasts: Your breasts should feel softer and lighter after a feeding session.
Visible Milk: You should see some milk inside the tip of the shield when the baby pulls away.
Diaper Count: A well-fed baby should have at least six heavy wet diapers and several dirty diapers every 24 hours (after the first week).
Weight Gain: Regular weight checks with your pediatrician are the most reliable way to know if the shield is working well for your baby.

If you are concerned that your baby isn't getting enough, you may want to use a breast pump after feedings to ensure the breast is fully emptied. This also helps maintain your supply. Our Pumpin' Punch - 14 Pack is a great way to stay hydrated during those extra pumping sessions, as it contains electrolytes and lactation-supporting ingredients.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Since the nipple shield goes directly into your baby's mouth, keeping it clean is vital. Bacteria or yeast (thrush) can easily grow on silicone if it isn't washed properly.

After Every Use: Wash the shield in hot, soapy water. Rinse it thoroughly with clear water.
Daily Sterilization: Once a day, boil the shield for five minutes or use a steam sterilizer bag.
Storage: Store the shield in a clean, dry container. Do not leave it sitting out on a counter where it can collect dust or pet hair.
Inspection: Check the shield regularly for tears or thin spots. If the silicone becomes cloudy or cracked, it is time to replace it.

Transitioning Away from the Shield

For most families, the nipple shield is a temporary bridge. Once the initial problem is resolved—whether that is nipple healing or the baby getting stronger—you can start practicing without it.

Skin-to-Skin Contact

Spend plenty of time with your baby chest-to-chest, with no clothes between you. This helps stimulate the baby's natural instincts to find the breast and latch.

The "Mid-Feed" Switch

Start the feeding with the nipple shield. Once your milk has let down—which is the reflex that causes milk to flow—remove the shield. Your nipple will be more prominent and the baby will be less hungry and more patient. This is often the easiest time for them to practice a bare latch.

Offer the Bare Breast First

When your baby is calm and just starting to show hunger cues, try a latch without the shield. If they get frustrated, put the shield on immediately. We want the breast to be a place of comfort, not a place of struggle. If you’d like a more structured refresher on latching basics, our How to Establish a Good Latch Breastfeeding: A Guide can help.

"A nipple shield is a tool, not a permanent destination. Use it with compassion for yourself, knowing that it is helping you provide for your baby right now."

Working with a Professional

We strongly recommend that you do not use a nipple shield without consulting an IBCLC or a certified lactation professional. They can help you identify why you need the shield and create a plan to eventually move past it. They can also perform a weighted feed, where the baby is weighed before and after nursing to see exactly how many ounces of milk they are receiving through the shield.

At Milky Mama, we offer virtual lactation consultations to provide you with expert support from the comfort of your own home. Having a professional look at your latch through a camera can make a world of difference in your confidence and your baby's success. For more foundational learning, our Breastfeeding 101 course is another helpful option.

Conclusion

Is a nipple shield good for breastfeeding? It certainly can be. It is a valuable therapeutic tool that has helped countless parents continue their breastfeeding journey when things got tough. By providing a firm latching surface and protecting sensitive skin, it can be the difference between stopping and continuing.

However, it is important to remember that it requires careful monitoring of your milk supply and baby's weight.

Ensure a proper fit by measuring your nipple.
Apply it using the inversion technique for a deeper latch.
Monitor wet diapers and weight gain closely.
Work with a lactation consultant to address the root cause of the breastfeeding challenge.

You're doing an amazing job navigating these challenges. Whether you use a shield for two days or two months, remember that your worth as a parent isn't measured by the tools you use, but by the love and nourishment you provide. If you need a little extra boost while you work through these hurdles, our Emergency Lactation Brownies are a delicious way to support your supply.

FAQ

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

It can if the baby is not effectively removing milk from the breast. The shield acts as a barrier, and if the latch is shallow, the breast may not receive the necessary stimulation to keep making milk. We recommend working with a lactation consultant and potentially pumping after feeds to protect your supply while using a shield. If you want a deeper look at common causes of low supply, our Understanding and Managing Low Milk Supply guide is a helpful companion.

How do I know what size nipple shield I need?

You need to measure the diameter of your nipple (not the areola) in millimeters. The shield should be slightly larger than your nipple so that there is room for it to stretch and move during a feeding without rubbing against the sides. Most people find a fit with 20mm or 24mm shields, but smaller and larger sizes are available.

How long can I use a nipple shield?

Some parents use a shield for only a few days while a nipple heals, while others may use it for several months. There is no set "expiration date" for using a shield, as long as your baby is gaining weight well and your milk supply remains stable. However, most lactation professionals suggest trying to transition away from it once the initial issue is resolved.

Is it hard to get a baby to stop using a nipple shield?

It can take some patience, as some babies become used to the firm feel of the silicone. The best way to transition is to offer plenty of skin-to-skin time and try removing the shield halfway through a feeding when the baby is already relaxed. With consistency and a low-pressure approach, most babies can successfully learn to latch on the bare breast.

This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Consult with your healthcare provider for medical advice.

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Is a Nipple Shield Good for Breastfeeding?

Table of Contents

Introduction

What is a Nipple Shield?