Nipples may also become sore as they are constantly becoming wet and dry, due to frequent feeds and sometimes leaking milk. ‘It’s important to keep nipples clean, and dry,’ says Dr Lee. ‘Using breast pads helps absorb any leakage. Some studies suggest the use of aloe vera gel or lanolin creams can be helpful.’ New mums know only too well that learning to breastfeed takes time and patience in those precious early days after delivery,’ says Dr Lee. ‘Mums are tired, often after a long, painful labour and delivery and are not used to the 24-hour demands of a tiny baby.

There are a plethora of reasons why your baby may have difficulties latching, among them the size of their mouth relative to your nipple size, a resistance to a strong letdown, or a tongue tie. A nipple shield can really help with latching problems by providing the perfect base for your baby to latch onto, while at the same time regulating the flow of milk. A tongue-tie is a condition in which a tight band of tissue tethers the bottom of the tongue’s tip to the floor of the mouth, making it difficult for a baby to properly latch onto a nipple while breastfeeding. The latch of babies with tongues ties is unusually shallow, causing immense discomfort and pain for mothers and frustration for babies. Nipple shields are easier for babies with tongue ties to latch onto, and they also protect the mother’s nipple.Nipple shields come in different sizes, designed for small, medium, or large diameter nipples, so you need to know your measurements, says Dr Lee. Measure across the width of the nipple, 0.5 -1 cm from the tip, where the nipple meets the areola.

Nipples may also become sore as they are constantly becoming wet and dry, due to frequent feeds and sometimes leaking milk.With all that said, a nipple shield may be a useful tool for mothers who are having issues getting their babies to latch – an experience that is all too common. Made of food-grade silicone, the nipple shields have perforated ridges on the base where the nipple meets the areola, allowing for a comfortable fit. Reviewers note that the purifyou nipple shields are durable and make a marked improvement in difficult breastfeeding experiences, including helping baby get the proper latch.

Once you decide to wean from the nipple shield, you can try removing the shield during a feeding earlier and earlier each time so baby can get an idea of what it’s like without it. Contrary to what you might’ve heard, nipple shields should only be used when recommended by a midwife. A nipple shield is a nipple-shaped piece that covers the nipple during breastfeeding to help with pain, soreness, and feeding for baby. They are typically made of silicone, flexible, and have holes at the end of the nipple area to allow breast milk to pass through to baby. They’re great for those who are experiencing sore nipples, have inverted or flat nipples, or if baby is not getting a great feed.You may need a nipple shield if you have flat or inverted nipples, your little one has a tongue-tie, your baby was born premature, or if you simply are sore from breastfeeding. A nipple shield can offer support and relief for these different reasons, and they’re worth trying if you find yourself struggling with breastfeeding. The NUK Barely There Nipple Shield has a triangular design with raised ridges around the base that both stimulate milk flow and help the nipples to stay in place. Moms with inverted nipples say that hard nipple shields can be difficult to keep in place, but the NUK Barely There Nipple Shield, which is made from soft, pliable silicone, holds suction well. Mothers with large breasts also praised the product. There are many reasons why a person will need to use a nipple shield during breastfeeding. In fact, many new moms use nipple shields during the early days after birth to help with soreness and feeding. Silicone is a great material for a nipple shield as it’s water-resistant and flexible, allowing the shield to fit perfectly and comfortably. It’s also more durable, so the shield should last throughout your breastfeeding journey. And, when compared to a material like plastic, it’s more eco-friendly, too.