I believe a nipple shield consent form is a necessary tool to remind the
mother who intends to use them and the person who is giving them out
that there maybe ramifications to using them. While I cannot say for
sure what caused the mastitis in this mother, I suspect that use of
nipple shields may have been a factor.  I also suspect that while it was
believed that the first session of mastitis was resolved, in all
liklihood it was not. It was mentioned that this mother went for
ultrasound for 5 straight days.  This could have added to the
stress--not just the procedure but having to go--how far?  I find that
mothers who have to go to medical facilities(public places)will not
nurse in these public places. I have seen many with breasts so full and
babies crying or baby at home and the procedure lasting longer than
expected.  Most woman who are using nipple shields will not use them
publicly."Emptying" the breast and rest are some of the crucial
elements  in resolving mastitis.  Nipple shields block this "emptying."
I don't see many nipple shields in this area. LC's in the hospital have
done a good job of disappearing them.  Valerie McClain, IBCLC

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