Breastfeeding and Shields

Nipple shields can be used to help baby latch on better to your .

What are nipple shields are soft, “hat-shaped” silicone covers that are worn over shields? your breast during .

Why are nipple Nipple shields can help when your baby is having trouble learning to shields used? breastfeed. The shield provides a firm shape inside the baby’s mouth and may help your baby latch on and suck better. A nipple shield can help your baby breastfeed when it is otherwise not possible.

When would I use Nipple shields may be useful for: a nipple shield? • A premature baby who is having problems latching on to, or staying on, the breast • A premature baby who is not drinking enough milk at the breast • A full-term baby with latch-on problems • A full-term baby with tongue thrust, a retracted tongue, neurological problems, or a weak suck • A with flat or inverted nipples whose baby cannot latch on well • A mother with damaged nipples who needs a barrier to continue working on breastfeeding with a better latch • A baby who prefers the bottle and needs a tool to transition back to the breast

How do I use a Someone from Lactation Services or Occupational/Physical Therapy will nipple shield? help you choose and fit the correct size nipple shield. To put on the nipple shield:

• Dip the nipple shield in warm water. Dry it and, if desired, put a small amount of lanolin or expressed breastmilk on the brim of the nipple shield. • Turn the tip of the nipple shield inside out. Place the tip over your nipple and slowly turn the shield right-side out and smooth into place. This will draw your nipple into the tip.

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To Learn More Free Interpreter Services • Lactation Services • In the hospital, ask your nurse. 206-987-1420 • From outside the hospital, call the • Ask your child’s healthcare provider toll-free Family Interpreting Line, 1-866-583-1527. Tell the interpreter • seattlechildrens.org the name or extension you need.

Breastfeeding and Nipple Shields

How do I get ready • Use warm, wet cloths or massage your before you apply the to feed my baby nipple shield. This may help get your milk flowing. when using a • Use your hands to express some breastmilk into the nipple shield. This may help your baby latch on, and you will have milk ready when your nipple shield? baby begins to suck.

How do I know if • Your baby should have a wide, open mouth to latch on fully to the nipple my baby is in the shield. proper position • Your baby’s mouth must cover the entire tip of the shield, with the lips resting wide onto the soft brim of the nipple shield. when using a • If your baby’s lips are tight around the tip, or if you see the firm tip of the nipple shield? shield while your baby is breastfeeding, remove your baby from the breast and latch on again with more breast tissue in your baby’s mouth.

How do I know if • Listen to your baby swallow. You will hear a steady, sucking sound. You my baby is getting may feel a tug on your nipple with each suck. enough • After each feeding, look for milk in the tip of the nipple shield. Your baby’s sucking will have drawn out your nipple and your breasts should breastmilk? feel softer. • Ask to have your baby weighed before and after breastfeeding to find out how much milk your baby is drinking. • To ensure your baby is getting enough milk at every feeding, we may ask you to pump after each feeding until your milk supply is well established. • We may ask you to keep a daily record of your baby’s feedings, as well as wet and dirty . • After you leave the hospital, you may need to have your baby weighed every week to ensure your baby is breastfeeding well. • Before you leave the hospital, the or occupational/physical therapists can help you make a feeding plan for your baby.

How do I clean the • Rinse the shield in cold water. Next, wash the shield in hot, soapy water nipple shield? and then rinse it under hot running water. • Dry and store the shield in a clean container.

Will my baby No, but your baby may need to use the nipple shield for a few days or always use a breast weeks or for several months. Every baby’s need for the nipple shield is different. It is a way to help move your baby towards full breastfeeding. A shield? lactation consultant or occupational/physical therapist can help your baby with this change.

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Try these hints: • Offer your baby more skin-to-skin contact in between feedings. Offer your breast for comfort and not just for hunger. • Begin feedings with the nipple shield. When your milk begins an active flow, quickly take your baby off the breast, remove the shield and latch on again. It may take several times before your baby is able to latch on without the shield. • To make it easier for your baby to latch on, press down on your breast to make your nipple stick out. Your breast is shaped like a circle, but your baby’s mouth is an oval shape. When you press down on your breast to match the shape of your baby’s mouth, latching on may become easier. • If your baby is getting some breastmilk by a feeding tube, you may need to wait until your baby is eating everything by mouth before you stop using the nipple shield. Using a nipple shield is a learning experience for you and your baby and may take many tries. Have patience and enjoy your time with your baby!

Seattle Children’s offers interpreter services for Deaf, hard of hearing or non-English speaking patients, family members and legal representatives free of charge. Seattle Children’s will make this information available in alternate formats upon request. Call the 10/20 Family Resource Center at 206-987-2201. This handout has been reviewed by clinical staff at Seattle Children’s. However, your child’s PE670 needs are unique. Before you act or rely upon this information, please talk with your child’s healthcare provider. © 2020 Seattle Children’s, Seattle, Washington. All rights reserved.

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