The newer "contact" nipple shields with a cutout at the top allow more
skin to skin for mom and baby. I have also found that these shields are
less likely to fold back on baby.....my observation and feedback from
moms. I think, as others have said, the most important is that a mom
using a shield is followed. I am still surprised to find moms who have
not been told that they can try putting the baby directly to breast at
any feeding to see how things go. For some, it seems they are waiting
for permission from "someone in the know" to do this. I readily offer
this option to moms who come to me (or by phone) and I am delighted when
nursing w/out a shield occurs for the first time. Such pleasure on a
mom's face!