03/27/2026
Talk to a mom who has used a ni**le shield in their breastfeeding journey and you probably will hear two different opinions on them. You either loved using it and it salvaged your breastfeeding journey or you hated it, felt it was awkward to use but felt dependent on it. Now there are many reasons why you may start using a ni**le shield, the main reasons being
•Your anatomy- flat/ inverted ni**les
•Pain with latching or difficulty latching
•Nipple Trauma
Definitely these are valid reasons to be using a ni**le shield however a ni**le shield can sometimes be used as a “bandaid solution” for a bigger breastfeeding issue. An assessment of your infant’s oral cavity, a ni**le assessment, a latch assessment and other methods to improve and promote a asymmetrical latch such as positional changes should always be considered first prior to considering the use of a ni**le shield.
If you have true inverted ni**les and your ni**les do not protrude outwards after stimulation/ reverse pressure softening, or after pumping. Or if your ni**le does not remain protruding outwards once your baby is latched and you are latching your baby asymmetrically using the “ni**le sandwich” technique or positioning your baby in football hold, the use of a ni**le shield may be helpful.
If you do not have inverted ni**les and you are experiencing ni**le trauma or latch is painful/ difficult to maintain. Most likely this will not be solved with the use of a ni**le shield and working with a lactation professional should be your fist stop.
If you used a ni**le shield what was your experience like! Let me know and lets chat about it! If you want to know more, we will talk about more related topics at my next Breastfeeding class! Link to sign up can be found in my bio!
**le **leshield breastfeedingjourney breastfeedingmom
