Medela Nipple Shield

When to Use

Flat or Inverted Nipples

Some babies have difficulty latching onto the breast. Flat or inverted nipples can contribute to latch-on problems. A nipple shield gives the baby a larger area to latch onto, while breastfeeding helps draw the nipple out. This makes it easier for the baby to subsequently latch onto the breast without the nipple shield.

Latch-on Difficulties

Other babies are slow to learn how to latch on in the first week. The use of a nipple shield can temporarily assist the baby in attachment to the breast, until the baby has learned the proper technique without the use of a shield. Silicone has been used by Medela in the manufacturing of their Nipple Shield because it has minimal odor and taste.

Overactive Let-down

Occasionally a mother will have an overactive let-down response which can cause a baby to choke and pull off the breast. Using a nipple shield can slow down the flow of milk, thus enabling the baby to continue nursing. As the baby matures and becomes more coordinated with the sucking and swallowing, the nipple shield is no longer needed.

Warning

WARNING: It is important to use a nipple shield under the direction of a healthcare professional or lactation consultant.

How to Use

• Always wash the nipple shield in hot soapy water and rinse in hot water before and after use.
• Place the nipple shield in hot water prior to nursing. This makes the shield more pliable and adhere to the breast better. A small amount of lanolin cream under the rim, but not in the nipple portion, may also help it adhere to the breast.
• Handle the nipple shield by the rim. Turn the nipple shield inside-out halfway. Place the nipple shield over the breast with the nipple centered inside the nipple portion of the shield. Then flip the shield right side out, enclosing as much of the nipple as possible.
• If using the Contact™ nipple shield, position the open section where the baby’s nose will contact the breast.
• Support the breast with a “C” hold. Place thumb on top of the breast and nipple shield and with fingers below, away from the areola (the dark pigmented skin surrounding the nipple).
• Tickle baby’s lower lip with nipple until he opens WIDE, then quickly pull baby onto the nipple shield, so baby takes as much of the nipple as possible into his mouth.
• If the nipple shield is being used for a baby having difficulty latching onto the breast, remove the nipple shield after a minute or two of breastfeeding. Try to attach the baby to the breast without the nipple shield. Continue to do this with each feeding until the baby is able to latch-on without the shield. Some babies need only one or two sessions with the nipple shields, while others may need more.

Cleaning & Care

• Follow these instructions unless otherwise instructed by your healthcare provider.
• Sanitize nipple shields by thoroughly boiling in water for 20 minutes. (Some healthcare providers recommend washing nipple shields in hot soapy water. Check with your healthcare provider for instructions on cleaning).
• Store with the nipple facing upwards and keep in a clean and dry covered container.

For Further Help

For further help with breastfeeding, contact a healthcare professional or lactation consultant. For the names of a breastfeeding specialist in your area, you can call the Breastfeeding National Network (BNN) at 1-800-TELL YOU (in the US and Canada) or online at www.medela.com.