Breastfeeding can seem like a daunting difficulty for a new mom. You’ve done the classes as well as web searches. Still, nothing truly prepares you for the very first time you breastfeed your new baby. just like any type of new experience, it can take time for both you as well as infant to get into your flow. A nipple shield is a amazing tool for easing both a mom as well as infant into a comfortable routine.
When I had my son, I was so excited at the concept of breastfeeding. Then, the nurse very first handed me to him as well as showed me what I had to do, as well as irritation set in. He was having a difficult time latching, as well as by the next morning after a night of breastfeeding every two hours, my nipples were super sore. Thankfully, a kind nurse provided me a nipple shield, which ended up being the tool I never understood I needed.
What the Heck is a Nipple Shield?
So, what is a nipple shield exactly? A nipple shield is constructed out of thin, versatile silicone, as well as resembles the nipple of a infant bottle. The nipple shield fits over your nipple as well as areola, providing a protective barrier for you, as well as an easier latching capability for baby. There’s a little hole at the point, similar to a bottle nipple that flows the milk into the baby’s mouth.
Nipple Shields Are excellent For new Moms
There are many reasons why breastfeeding moms can benefit from utilizing a nipple shield. For instance, many new moms experience discomfort with sore nipples in the very first few days or weeks of breastfeeding. Sore, cracked nipples, as well as even bleeding nipples can discourage a new mom from breastfeeding. Although there are products meant to soothe before as well as after breastfeeding, the nipple shield provides relief as well as comfort during.
Using a nipple shield will assist you get into the routine of breastfeeding. There is an endless listing of new things to discover as well as get utilized to, as well as breastfeeding is among them. A nipple shield is a wonderful method to ensure the shift is smooth as well as enjoyable.
Also excellent for Babies
Using a nipple shield likewise benefits newborns as well as infants. The breastfeeding experience is new to a baby, too! utilizing a shield can assist a newborn latch quickly.
Whether a mom selects to utilize a nipple shield to ease pain or discomfort or since her infant is having a difficult time latching, it’s finest to always reach out to a pediatrician or lactation consultant to discuss any type of concerns or concerns about breastfeeding as well as utilizing the shield.
The Drawbacks of utilizing a Nipple Shield
Now, as outstanding as the nipple shield sounds, there are a few reasons why a mom should consult with a pediatrician or lactation consultant before, during, as well as after the utilize of a shield. Some precautions should be taken when utilizing the shield to make sure both mom as well as infant have a helpful breastfeeding experience.
High maintenance – handle With Care!
The very first drawback to utilizing a nipple shield is the maintenance. much like any type of bottle, care, as well as interest to detail is necessary when cleaning the shield. Not only can body oils from mom get onto the shield, however milk can gather in the hole. You requirement to thoroughly clean this to prevent the growth of bacteria which can damage the baby.
Effect on Milk supply as well as Feeding
As mentioned before, it’s usually a great concept to consult with a pediatrician and/or lactation consultant before, during, as well as after the utilize of a nipple shield. because of their style being more like a bottle than an actual nipple, there’s only one hole for milk to flow with as opposed to the several holes that a nipple has. utilizing a shield can sluggish down the flow of milk, as well as this can impact two considerable things, mom’s milk supply as well as exactly how much milk the infant is getting.
Research shows that breast milk production is based on supply as well as demand. This means it’s vital to keep in mind that if less milk is being expressed, pumping after breastfeeding may be a great idea.
In addition to decreasing flow as well as supply, a nipple shield can cause the infant to get less milk during feeding sessions. This can lead to the infant losing weight, which although fairly typical during the very first few days after birth, may cause a pediatrician to suggest supplementing with formula.
Difficulty Weaning Off of The Nipple Shield
One final drawback is the problem of weaning the infant (and sometimes yourself) off of the shield. Weaning takes patience as well as time, as well as a sense of open-mindedness when it comes to trying new breastfeeding holds as well as positions that are comfortable for both mom as well as baby.
Support is Available
These factors may cause apprehension when choosing if utilizing a nipple shield is the right program of action, as well as it’s necessary to keep in mind that this is a temporary solution for breastfeeding difficulties. If there are any type of concerns or concerns that associate to breastfeeding as well as the general health and wellness as well as growth of the baby, it’s finest to direct these toward a pediatrician, who is always willing to provide solution to wary parents.
Lactation support is offered in many areas, as well as there are many on the internet resources to aid in discovering a lactation professional.
Best Nipple Shields To Use
Below are 3 excellent choices for you to purchase. They are all risk-free ultra thin as well as simple to clean!
Medela get in touch with Nipple shield With bring Case
Philips Avent Nipple Protector
Purifyou premium Nipple Shield
Please reach out to our Facebook group if you are having any type of struggles with breastfeeding! We are right here to assist as well as there is a whole tribe of mamas who have been where you are.
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