Can Nipple Shields Reduce Milk Supply?

Breastfeeding can be a rewarding yet challenging journey for many moms, and nipple shields are often introduced as a tool to help with breastfeeding difficulties. Many moms wonder, ‘can nipple shields reduce milk supply?’. Understand how nipple shield works and how it can affect your milk supply.

Can Nipple Shield Reduce Milk Supply?

Yes, if not used properly, a nipple shield can actually reduce your milk supply.

Using nipple shields can be helpful, but it does require the right way of using them to ensure that the baby gets enough milk and your body continues producing the right amount. Your baby may not get as much milk from the nipple shield as they would be able to directly from your breast. This can sometimes result in slow weight gain for your baby or a lower milk supply for you. With proper use, many moms are able to wean from the shield after just a few weeks, though some may continue using it for longer during their breastfeeding journey.

Nipple shields are often used in babies who are not latching well, premature babies, or those with issues such as tongue-tie. Some mothers just use the shield because it simply feels comfortable to them; that is perfectly fine too. Work always with a lactation consultant for advice on whether a nipple shield will work with you and your baby and get support toward reaching your breastfeeding goals.

Why does a Nipple Shield Decrease Milk Supply?

A nipple shield decreases milk supply; this can happen as it makes a barrier between the baby and the breast, which in turn may lead to less effective stimulation of the breast tissue.

Using nipple shields reduces the baby's ability to get milk and may prevent the breast from being fully emptied.
Infants get used to the nipple shield, and often, they prefer it to breastfeeding. It becomes tough to discontinue the shield.
If the breast is not fully drained and the baby becomes accustomed to the shield, the mother may eventually begin to have less milk and thus may have to stop breastfeeding when she had planned to end it.

Should I Use a Nipple Shield?

A nipple shield can also assist your baby in latching better to your breast. Latch refers to the way your baby's mouth attaches to your nipple and areola. Getting a good latch ensures that your baby will get enough milk and prevent pain in breastfeeding. Pain usually occurs when the baby sucks only on the tip of your nipple and not on the whole areola.

A nipple shield will come in handy as a temporary solution when:

Your nipples are short, flat, or inverted - The shield will elongate and firm up your nipple to help your baby latch. What might seem like flat nipples may just be a case of breast engorgement. A good lactation expert can show you how to work with that through reverse pressure softening.
Latching difficulties - A nipple created longer by the shield can reach the roof of your baby's mouth, which then triggers the sucking reflex.
Your nipples are sore, cracked, or bleeding- A shield can help protect your nipples while they are healing, but the underlying issue of the poor latch should still be resolved. You are switching bottle to breast: If your baby resists the switch, a nipple shield can help them adjust to the new routine by either mimicking the bottle's faster flow or replicating its familiar texture.
Transitioning from bottle to breast- A bottle-fed baby might not like the switch to breastfeeding. A bottle nipple typically delivers milk much faster than a natural breast nipple, so the feel of a bottle nipple is quite different from that of a natural breast nipple. It looks more bottle-like and feels like one, so switching is easy for the baby. It gives the same feeling to the child as regards sucking and can help them get accustomed to breastfeeding, besides making milk flow if they get frustrated by a slower letdown from the breast.
Premature babies- Because the muscles of premature babies have not yet developed, they either suck very weakly or do not latch effectively. The nipple shield makes the nipple firmer and more structured than a standard nipple, allowing a premature baby to get a good latch on and obtain the milk. It aids in enhancing the transfer of milk so the baby can feed effectively even with weaker sucking abilities supporting both the nutrition and growth of the infant.

How to Maintain Your Milk Supply While Using a Nipple Shield?

There are effective ways to maintain and even boost your milk supply, even when using one. With a few simple tips, such as pumping after breastfeeding and making sure that a proper shield fits, you can ensure that your body will continue to produce the amount of milk your baby needs.

Pump after breastfeeding: Using a nipple shield may reduce the stimulation your breasts receive, so it's important to pump after each feeding session. This ensures your breasts are fully emptied, which helps maintain or increase your milk supply.

Use a good pump, like Momcozy M9. Momcozy M9 breast pump has a b motor that provides up to -300 mmHg suction. The device can help you increase your supply more effectively if you are pumping as a substitute for this stimulation loss from wearing a nipple shield.

Pump after breastfeeding to empty breasts.

Ensure good fit of the nipple shield: A good-fitting nipple shield allows your baby to latch properly, which prevents transfer issues and can stimulate your breasts enough to produce milk.
Nurse often: Breast your baby on demand to keep the stimulation going well even with the shield. This frequent nursing would be your ticket to steady milk production.
Massage your breasts: Massaging your breasts during feeding or pumping may help to promote better milk flow and ensure that the breasts are emptied with greater efficiency.
Consult a lactation consultant: A professional can help you with nipple shield techniques and offer additional tips for maintaining milk supply.

How to Know if My Baby Is Latched Well with a Nipple Shield?

A good latch is essential if you're going to use a nipple shield. This ensures your baby will drink enough milk, and feeding won't hurt either of you. Here's how you'll know you've got a good latch:

Your baby's mouth should cover the bottom of the shield of the nipple. His lips have flared out like those of a fish, and his chin actually touches your breast.
If the nipple becomes sore or pinched, it may be a sign that your baby isn't latching correctly. As a word of caution, this should never hurt, not even with a nipple shield.
You can often hear or catch a glimpse of the baby swallowing milk. If your baby sucks only but does not swallow or appears frustrated, the latch is not correct.
She should look satisfied after feeding and appear quite content as she relaxes. Diaper wetting; weight gain; however, if she is not, it could be due to a bad latch.

Make sure that your baby is latching well.

How to Wean My Baby from a Nipple Shield?

Weaning the baby off the nipple shield requires patience. These are the steps to follow to help the process:

When your baby is not too hungry or fussy, offer your breast without a shield. Some babies latch right after using a shield for some time, but others may take time.
You can start with breastfeeding your baby with the shield on, and when they are feeding well and cozy, then gently slide off the shield to test if they can feed directly from your breast. This is helpful because they have already received some milk and are more relaxed.
The baby is often more relaxed during nighttime or sleepy feedings so you can attempt the breast without the shield while they may not protest as much about the change.
Do not be discouraged if she does not want to accept the breast without the shield at first. She will settle if you are persistent and gentle.

How to Know if the Nipple Shield is Working?

A good nipple shield helps your baby latch and nurse successfully. Here's how you know if your nipple shield is working:

Milk is circulating through the shield- The milk should fill the tip of the shield when the baby sucks on it. But sometimes, it helps to pre-feed some milk through the shield to make it easier for the baby to latch.
Baby is gaining weight- The baby should continue to gain weight steadily and produce plenty of wet and soiled diapers daily (6-8 wet diapers and normal bowel movements for age).
Baby looks content after feeding- After you have suckled, your baby should look content and full and absolutely not look for more milk at this stage.
It should not pinch, pull, or hurt during feeding- If the nipple shield is working, then there should be no pinching or pulling and no pain while feeding or later on.

You need to know that nipple shield is working.

Other Tips for Using a Nipple Shield Correctly

Here are some additional tips to ensure that you are using the nipple shield properly and effectively:

Nipple shields are offered in various sizes; you should ensure that you use one that fits your nipple closely. Consult a lactation counselor for the right size for you to ensure that the nipple shield fits you. This can limit the efficiency of breastfeeding while feeling uncomfortable.
Pour a little water or breast milk on the shield for easy adhesion to your breast and a tighter seal for attachment purposes by your baby.
Upon putting the shield on your nipple, it should be placed so as to be centrally positioned. There needs to be a seal also between the shield and your breast, so that your milk would flow and the shield wouldn't move while feeding.
Most breastfeeding mothers who are also using nipple shields will experience some degree of reduced stimulation at the breast, which could translate to reduced milk supply with time. Keep following up with your lactation consultant and checking on your milk supply to ensure that it is b enough. If necessary, you can pump after each feeding.
Even while using a shield, combine as much skin-to-skin contact with your baby as possible during feedings. This is stimulating for your milk supply and keeps your baby attached to you. You can hold the baby against your bare chest before and after feeding to encourage closeness.
Always clean the nipple shield before use. In warm soapy water, wash and air dry; this will prevent bacterial buildup on the shield. Some shields are dishwasher safe, and you also can put them in a steam bag for sterilizing. If you maintain the cleanliness of the shield, your baby will stay healthy, and the shield will last longer.
If you find that you are having trouble using a nipple shield or the baby seems to be having difficulty, a lactation consultant will be able to guide you individually. She can evaluate how the shield fits, help you develop a better latch, and support you in stopping use when the time is right.

Conclusion

To sum it up, nipple shields can be a helpful tool for moms facing breastfeeding problems. Using a nipple shield comes with risks if you don’t use it the right way. Always monitor your milk supply and remember, the key is finding the right balance that works for both mom and baby to support successful breastfeeding.