Nipple Shields

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Page updated October 2026

Nipple shields are frequently given out to help with breastfeeding. They can be incredibly helpful when used for the right reasons - however too often they are given for situations where they are unlikely to help and/or provided with little instruction.

It’s very important that a nipple shield:

• Fits your nipple/breast properly (there are many sizes)

• Helps the baby to achieve a better/deeper latch (not just on the nipple portion of the shield, but deeper on the breast)

• Helps ease mother’s pain during latch

• Is used as a “bridge” toward breastfeeding, and not a permanent solution. We want to figure out why the baby needs the shield to latch better, and how to help them no longer need it. Work with an IBCLC to figure this out!

• Video showing nipple shield use

• Video and Instagram post showing how to fold the shield to get it on your breast firmly/deeply.

• Pro tip! Nipple shields are clear/hard to find when you need them (and pets like to steal/chew them)! Keep them in a container, mug, bowl, etc.

When a nipple shield is helping you to latch, that is wonderful! The next step is to figure out why the baby needs it, and what can be done to help their feeding skills so they can nurse without it. Sometimes the baby can just stop using them and sometimes there is a nipple shield weaning process.