We use nipple shield consent forms in the NICU - not because we need them while the baby is hospitalized (after all it is a physiology lab in there and everything possible is monitored carefully!)  We use them so that if a baby goes home still using  a shield, we have documentation that we mentioned the issues of possible decrease in milk supply and possible subsequent infant weight loss when there is a barrier between the mother and the baby.  Most of our moms and babies are off nipple shields within a month after discharge, but when the mother quits pumping, we want her to know to monitor her milk supply and the baby's weight gain until she is sure it is not an issue while using the shield.
My two cents worth.
Deanne RN  IBCLC
NICU

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