Comments on: Nipple Monologues: Part 5: Beware of Nipple Add-Ons

By: Máire Clements RN IBCLC

Máire Clements RN IBCLC — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 13:36:19 +0000

Thanks for your comment. I am happy that you were able to successfully breastfeed your daughter. You are absolutely right that nipple shields are not for protecting nipples. I was reporting on trends of use that I have seen in order to spark a conversation. Moms are being told to use them, even by LC’s, although they could actually could have gotten their babies on their breasts. The problem was that the assessment stopped at the visuals. Nipples that are less prominent or inverted can pose latch challenges; using nipple shields should be a breastfeeding aid of last resort. Any gadget, including a nipple shield, should be used judiciously to advance the skill of breastfeeding. Ultimately, a positive breastfeeding relationship should always be the goal.

By: Tweets that mention Nipple Monologues: Part 5: Beware of Nipple Add-Ons — ConsciousBreastfeedingConnections.com -- Topsy.com

Thu, 24 Jun 2010 03:37:12 +0000

[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Máire Clements, Máire Clements. Máire Clements said: @JeanetteCates (#11) Nipple Monologues: Part 5: Beware of Nipple Add-Ons http://budurl.com/cbc30day11 #blog30 [...]

By: Wendy

Wendy — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 20:14:55 +0000

Nipple shields are NOT for protecting a nipple. They are for women with inverted or flat nipples- it is a breastfeeding air. Without a nipple shield I would have have been able to breastfeed my daughter at all. A nipple shield saved her from a life of formula. Yes, without proper supervision by an LC they can be a problem but the new nipple shields don’t impact milk supply as much as they used to. They have a place in helping women BF their babies if they otherwise couldn’t.