I think the nipple shield confusion goes back to the old heavy type of "fire
hat" shaped shields that had rough ridges inside.   One of my children saw one,
asked what it was, and said, "wouldn't that hurt?"  She was right.  The ridges
probably did hurt!

The soft silicone ones that are available now can be quite helpful when used
appropriately.  I find them to be useful to buy time and get over a hard spot.
They preserve BF in the long run.  We give them out sparingly and include a
written instruction sheet with each one.

I find that taping the shield to the breast using transpore tape makes using
them much, much easier.

Pardee Hinson, MPH, IBCLC
Mercy Lactation Support Center
Charlotte, NC  [log in to unmask]