Nipple shields – Little lifesavers to overcome breastfeeding difficulties

Nipple shields for breastfeeding can be a great help for any woman and her baby. Lifesavers really when dealing with breastfeeding issues. See my selection of favorite Amazon nipple shields here

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When to use nipple shields?

Many women are of have been dealing with breastfeeding issues. Nipple shields can be a great help for any woman and her baby to overcome difficulties when breastfeeding.

The little silicone nipple shields can be a lifesaver for cracked or sore nipples. And it can help your baby overcome latch-on difficulties.

close up of a nipple shield seen from above — A nipple shield seen from above

A nipple shield has a few little holes from where your baby can drink the milk. There’s also an opening at the part that lays on the areola. It’s meant for the baby’s nose, so it will smell and feel the mother.

You lay the shield over your nipple and areola during feeding.

Nipple shields can be used for:

short term latch-on difficulties
premature babies may have problems with latching in the first couple of weeks
a nipple shield may help to transition to breastfeeding
flat or inverted nipples
tongue-tie, lip tie, or overactive let-down
protect your blistered, cracked, bleeding nipples during feeding

What size nipple shields do I need?

Take your time to measure your nipple if you’re not sure about sizing. Every woman is unique, and so is the size of her nipple.

drawing to illustrate how to measure a nipple shield for breastfeeding — How to measure your nipple | instruction (source: Medela)

It is very sad to hear women have had a bad experience with nipple shields only because they’ve had the wrong size shield. As for choosing a nipple shield, it is not one size fits all.

There are 3 sizes nipple shields you can choose from. Sizes are S/16 mm, M/20 mm or L/24 mm. Although some brands have 2 sizes and there are one-size-fits-all on the market.

How to measure a nipple shield

illustration of a correct fit of nipple shields for breastfeeding — Add 2 or 3 mm to your measuring for a correct fit

measure the diameter of your nipple
add 2 or 3 mm to your measuring, so the nipple has some extra space if it swells

Best selling nipple shields brands on Amazon

I’ve selected the 2 best-selling nipple shields for breastfeeding from the brands Medela and Lansinoh. On Amazon, they have over 1000 reviews. This offers a great source of information for any woman who wants to buy nipple shields.

Medela contact nipple shields for breastfeeding

nipple shields for latching difficulties

Medela Contact Nipple Shield for Breastfeeding 16, 20, and 24 mm | See details at Amazon.com

for latching difficulties
overactive letdown
also for flat or inverted nipples
soreness
the kit includes 2 contact nipple shields along with a portable carrying case for traveling

The Medela shields feature a unique design with a cut-out area that encourages maximum skin contact between the mother and the baby.

Medela’s is a company with 50 years plus experience for moms and babies.

Our primary focus is breastfeeding – by helping moms to successfully breastfeed their babies and to do so for as long as they choose. Meeting this goal responsibly is at the heart of everything we do.
source: medela.com

Medela is also known for its #1 recommended breast pump brand See the Medela shop at Amazon.com

Lansinoh nipple shields for breastfeeding

nipple shield for premature and small infants

Lansinoh Nipple Shield for Breastfeeding 20mm and 24 mm | See details at Amazon.com

for latch-on issue of premature, small or ill infants
effective for flat or inverted nipples, tongue tie, lip tie, or overactive let-down
cut out design to maximize skin-to-skin contact

Lansinoh was founded by a breastfeeding mom. Lansinoh has supported moms for more than 35 years.

The company is known for its #1 recommended lanolin nipple cream and for launching the first Bluetooth connected breast pump See the Lansinoh shop at Amazon.com

Best-Selling Nipple Shield Carrying Case

The Modern Momma company is run by a corporate mom who sought simple solutions to make her life easier while raising 3 children.

best-selling storage case for nipple shield/breastfeeding shield
makes it easy to locate & discreetly store nipple shield in diaper bag, purse, or around house
protect your shield from germs and pets
easy-clean design is top rack dishwasher safe
perforated holes allows moisture to escape, allowing your shield to properly dry between uses.

Best-Selling Nipple Shield Carrying Case, Perfect Solution for Medela Shields and Similar Shields, by Modern Momma; Purple Pansy | See details at Amazon.com

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