As an IBCLC in private practice, I wholeheartedly agree with Christine Raasch. I just saw a baby a few days ago that was having enormous difficulty latching to the breast despite skin to skin, baby-led latching, etc. The mother, post-c-section was exhausted and frustrated. In cases like these, as well as others, the nipple shield can be an invaluable tool, not only allowing the baby to latch and, as studies have shown, transfer milk effectively, but also to instill a sense of confidence and hope in the mother. Anecdotally, I have heard dozens of mothers state that if it hadn't been for the shield, they would be feeding formula. As long as our practice is evidence-based and strong clinical judgment takes precedence, I believe we are doing mothers a great disservice by ignoring the proven benefits of the nipple shield. 

Alexandra Walker, MA, IBCLC (graduating with BSN, May 2015)

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