Nipple shield

Here you can learn about nipple shields and when they can be used.

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How and when can we use a nipple shield?

A nipple shield can be used in the early period if breastfeeding is difficult, and sometimes for longer — but only for as long as it is needed. Swipe to see how and when you can use a nipple shield.

What is a nipple shield — and when can it help?

A nipple shield is a thin silicone shield that is placed over the nipple during breastfeeding. It may make it easier for your baby to latch on to the breast and protect the nipples. If you are considering using a nipple shield, it is important to first talk to the staff at the hospital or to your health visitor. They can help you work out whether a nipple shield is the right solution.

A nipple shield can be used if:

  • you have flat or inverted nipples and your baby has difficulty latching on
  • breastfeeding is causing sore nipples, wounds or cracks, for example because your baby’s sucking technique is not quite right.

A nipple shield does not help with all breastfeeding challenges. Sometimes a different solution is needed, such as starting again.

Pain during breastfeeding

What are the advantages and disadvantages of using a nipple shield?

The advantages of using a nipple shield may be that:

  • a nipple shield can reduce pain if the nipples have wounds or cracks
  • a nipple shield may help if your baby has difficulty latching on to the breast.

The disadvantages of using a nipple shield may be that:

  • your baby may get used to sucking with the nipple shield and find it difficult to breastfeed without it
  • over time, a nipple shield may mean that you do not produce quite enough milk for your baby. For this reason, it is recommended that you hand express or use a breast pump 2–3 times a day while you are using the nipple shield
  • some women find the nipple shield impractical and feel that it creates a barrier between mother and baby.

How to use a nipple shield::

  • Vask først dine hænder.
  • Wash your hands first.
  • Gently massage the breast towards the nipple to start the let-down reflex.
  • Put a few drops of water or a little of your milk on the inside of the nipple shield. This helps it stick better to the breast.
  • Press the tip of the nipple shield inwards.
  • Place the nipple shield so the nipple is in the centre.
  • You may want to express a little milk into the shield by hand.
  • Put your baby to the breast and make sure they latch on well to the nipple shield.

It is important that the nipple shield is the right size:

  • The nipple should be centred in the nipple shield and should be able to stretch out when your baby creates a vacuum during breastfeeding.
  • After breastfeeding, the nipple should look normal and round.

 

  • Wash your hands.
  • Rinse the nipple shield under cold water.
  • Clean the nipple shield with salt to remove all milk residue.
  • Rinse it thoroughly again under water.
  • Scald the nipple shield.
  • Store the nipple shield in a clean, dry place.

How do we stop using the nipple shield again?

If the nipple shield is no longer needed, try to:

  • breastfeed without the nipple shield, possibly after expressing a little milk onto the nipple
  • remove the nipple shield halfway through a feed, when your baby is not too hungry but still wants to continue sucking without the shield
  • breastfeed without the nipple shield at night, when both you and your baby are often calmer and more relaxed.

Good to do

  • If your baby’s sucking technique is not quite right, or if you have flat or inverted nipples, a nipple shield may sometimes be a solution — but always talk to your health visitor or the staff at the hospital first.
  • If you use a nipple shield for a longer period of time, it may be a good idea to express a little milk to help support your milk supply.

Who can you contact?

If you experience challenges with bottle feeding – big or small – do not hesitate to seek professional advice. Swipe to see whom you can contact and when.

Who can you contact at the maternity ward?

You can contact the maternity-ward staff both during pregnancy and after birth.

Before birth, your midwife is the person to speak with about the early time with your baby and your thoughts about feeding – whether breastfeeding or bottle-feeding. If you have had previous breastfeeding problems, you can create a plan together.

Most maternity wards also offer antenatal classes, and your midwife can inform you about these.

After giving birth, you can receive help with breastfeeding from staff on the delivery or maternity ward while you are admitted.

All parents can also contact a breastfeeding hotline at their maternity ward within the first week after birth if they need help or guidance.

You can contact your municipal health-visitor service

The health-visitor service is available to all pregnant and new parents in Denmark. After birth, you will be offered free home visits with support and guidance to help you get a good start with your baby. Depending on your municipality and your stage in the process, different services and contact options may be available.

Some municipalities offer prenatal visits from a health visitor, where you can discuss breastfeeding, bottle-feeding, and preparing for life as a new family. Check your municipality’s website to see whether this is available where you live.

If you have special needs, you can contact the service to ask whether prenatal visits are offered to you.

Your health visitor will contact you and offer the first home visit. You can always call your municipal health visitor service for advice or guidance.

You can contact your GP if needed

Always speak with your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding and need medical treatment. In most cases, there is a medication that is safe to use during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Contact the on-call doctor or call 112 in an emergency

For sudden illness or worsening symptoms that cannot wait until your GP is available, or for minor injuries, you can contact the on-call doctor – or call 1813 if you live in the Capital Region.

In emergencies, if something is life-threatening or dangerous, call 112.

Contact volunteer breastfeeding counsellors

You can also contact volunteer breastfeeding counsellors if you need advice or guidance. Denmark has two support organisations: Forældre & Fødsel and Ammenet. The volunteers are mothers who have breastfed themselves, and both organisations provide guidance based on the recommendations of the Danish Health Authority.

Get help from Forældre og Fødsel

Get help from Ammenet

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