Hi, my name is Janeane Calvert-Kuhn and I am an Ivy Tech nursing student in
Indianapolis, IN. I have been reading about the use of nipple shields and am
amazed at the difference of opinion available in research. I was given one with
my first son after having some significant nipple damage due to a poor latch.
At the time, I felt it was a gift from God but my focus quickly turned to
keeping this precious little thing safe and sound for the next feeding! My
IBCLC insisted on short term use and although I kept it longer than she
wished, I did relinquish it in time (more than three weeks!). There are reports
that even the thin silicone nipple shields cause reduced milk intake and
present a potential for reduced maternal milk supply and nipple damage with
improper placement. Does their bad reputation perhaps have more to do with
misuse than proper use--and proper use with the knowledge of potential risks?
Is it more an issue of their wide availability and/or potentially untrained or
inexperienced staff who cannot get an infant to latch on to the breast who
may introduce them in the hospital to help the infant breastfeed before being
discharged versus a simply “good” or “bad” label? Don’t they have their place
in the right situation (flat nipples, prematurity, etc.), with the close guidance
of an experienced lactation expert?
Thank you in advance for your patience and opinions on an old issue!
Best wishes, Janeane Calvert-Kuhn
References
Bodley, V. and Powers, D. Long-term nipple shield use - a positive
perspective. J Hum Lact 1996; 12(4): 301-04.
Elliot, C. Using a silicone nipple shield to assist a baby unable to latch. J Hum
Lact 1996; 12(4): 309-13.
Martin, Jahaan. Nipple pain: Causes, treatments, and remedies. LEAVEN Oct. -
Nov. 1999; 10 -11.
Mohrbacher, N. and Stock, J. BREASTFEEDING ANSWER BOOK. Schaumburg,
IL: LLLI, 1997; 53, 86, 390, 396, 401, 417, 566.
Searly, C. N. Rethinking the use of nipple shields. J Hum Lact 1996; 12(4): 299-
300.
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