Question: My nipples are sore and cracked. If I use a nipple shield, will it help them heal faster? Also, how do I use a nipple shield.
Generally speaking, the answer is a resounding NO! You should never use a nipple shield outside of the care of a qualified IBCLC (lactation consultant). Most lactation consultants will not encourage you to use a nipple shield either but rather will work with you to fix the latch (which is the problem if your nipples are cracked and bleeding). Nipple shields are useful in a few instances but we’ll get to that in a minute.
The Vicious Nipple Shield Cycle
Here’s the problem with nipple shields. Yes, it hurts less if you nurse with one but it does not fix the baby’s latch which is the real problem. However, in addition to not helping with the baby’s latch it also doesn’t provide your breasts with the necessary stimulation to produce enough milk. So not only are you not really correcting the problem by using a nipple shield, but you’re also making it worse by not stimulating your breasts enough and thus diminishing your supply (which is likely already somewhat diminished if the baby is not latching properly.) Then you start to pump and give bottles, and then the cycle towards ending breastfeeding is set in motion and it is very hard to break. Think of it as putting bactine on an open wound. OUCH!!!
For cracked and bleeding nipples. . .
You need to see a lactation consultant. I have been bombarded by stories of women who have gone to see someone labeled as a lactation consultant who gave them bad advice so here are two quick tips to know if you’re seeing someone who is any good:
1) They have the initials IBCLC after their name. This is the highest recognition a lactation consultant can receive. Those initials mean that they have had at least 900 hours of training helping breastfeeding moms, plus they’ve met education requirements, plus they’ve passed a board exam.
2) A good lactation consultant will be able to get your baby to nurse right there on the spot without pain regardless of the state of your nipples. Even if your nipples are cracked, a good LC will be able to get the baby latched on so that the baby is sucking and you are pain free. It is important to remember that breastfeeding is a science–not an art–and its techniques can be learned.
When and How to Use a Nipple Shield
Nipple shields are helpful when your nipple is inverted, or when the baby’s mouth is unusually small or your nipple is unusually large. But again, let an LC help you. You will need to pump in addition to putting your baby to the breast so that you’re able to maintain adequate milk supply. Your LC will show you how to wean the baby off of the nipple shield.
Related Articles:
Common Problems with Latch On Technique
Do I Need That? Helpful Gear for the Breastfeeding Mother