Yaffa, I often see moms who were given nipple shields by lactation-illiterate nurses for "flat nipples" which turn out to be engorgement. I encourage them to use ice and express a bit of milk, and then they are often able to get the baby on the breast, if baby is not already habituated to having that latex in the mouth. ARGHH! Makes me want to scream. I like your rental station policy: that all nipple sheild questions get referred to you. Bravo. Catherine Watson Genna, IBCLC