Breastfeeding is a natural process that brings only benefits to both mother and her baby. However, not all mothers can cope well with breastfeeding. Women often develop cracks that cause discomfort. It also happens that the baby slightly bites the nipples, and therefore wounds appear. Some girls, due to anatomical features, are unable to breastfeed their baby. There are two options: either stop breastfeeding completely, or purchase nipple shields. Overlays, of course, are a more humane option.
Even before purchasing pads, you need to understand how to choose the right accessory. There are several features that are worth paying attention to.
How to use nipple shields
Nipple shields are an age-old invention that help protect a woman's nipples while breastfeeding. The first mentions of such devices date back to the 17th century. Back then, these covers were used to lengthen the nipples and protect the skin from friction or exposure to temperatures. Previously, pads were made from materials that could harm the baby.
Today, overlays are most often made of silicone. Instructions for use can be found in the packaging. Pediatricians advise you to read the instructions in detail. Before purchasing, it is better to consult a doctor about the use of this accessory.
Silicone breastfeeding attachments can be used for a variety of purposes. Below we will look at when it is better to resort to them.
Types of breast pads for breastfeeding
Linings differ in material and frequency of spread. There are three types:
- Rubber. They are rare due to negative reviews from specialists. They look like an ordinary pacifier, attached to a round base made of glass or plastic. An impressive part of the milk flows by: the baby is not sufficiently saturated. The nipples are not stimulated at all, developing a harmful feeding technique in the baby.
- Latex. Unpopular model. It has a yellowish tint and a peculiar unnatural texture. The big disadvantage is the fragility of the nozzle, it is saturated with an unpleasant odor. Often cause allergies in babies.
- Silicone. Today this type of product is the safest and most convenient. They are transparent, not very hard, plastic, compacted in the nipple area.
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Pros:
- Using them, the woman’s nipple is well stimulated - milk is released in the proper quantity.
- It is not difficult for a baby to return to natural feeding.
- These pads protect the chest from injury.
- Long service life.
- Maximum comfort when feeding.
If you decide to use breastfeeding pads, it is better to buy models with silicone material because of their advantages and do not cause significant harm.
Benefits of using nursing pads
Is there any way to do without nipple covers? This product has quite a lot of advantages. In particular, overlays help:
- Accustom your baby to the breast. If a child has been bottle-fed for a long time, he is unlikely to be able to switch to breastfeeding so quickly.
- Teach breastfeeding if the child’s nervous system is underdeveloped.
- Feed the baby. You can add a special tube with additional feeding to the nozzle.
- Pull out the nipple due to its irregular structure.
- Protect your chest from various injuries.
Many mothers have already used the pads in practice, and they are satisfied with the results.
ChildbirthInfo
When a baby is born, especially if it is a woman’s first child, a whole list of new and unusual tasks arises that must be dealt with daily. With some you can “find a common language” faster, while others take a long time to get used to. Mothers usually have particular difficulties with breastfeeding, as they need to ensure that the baby is properly grasped so that both parties feel comfortable. To facilitate the feeding process and the difficulties that arise during it, special pads were created, which we will talk about in more detail.
The content of the article:
• Purpose of overlays • Varieties • Tips for choosing the size • Which is better to choose: reviews • How to use correctly
Breast milk is an ideal product for a newborn; it is with it that the baby’s body receives all the components necessary for growth and development and in the quantities needed. The unique composition of this liquid has not yet been fully reproduced by artificial formulas, so the issue of breastfeeding is usually quite important.
On the path to natural feeding, there can be many difficulties associated with painful sensations, damage and cracks in the nipples, difficulties in the baby’s correct grasp of the breast due to its special shape, etc. To minimize these difficulties and achieve comfortable feeding for both mother and baby, doctors may recommend the use of silicone breast pads. So, they are relevant in the following situations:
- the nipple is too large, inverted, flat - all this creates certain difficulties in establishing breastfeeding. The attachments help start and normalize the process, and most women gradually no longer need to use them;
- injury to the nipples due to improper attachment of the baby, formation of cracks. All this is quite painful, since feeding still needs to be continued. The use of overlays in such a situation may not completely eliminate discomfort, because injuries are already present, but they will protect against new damage and help the nipples recover faster;
- when a child gets used to eating from a bottle with a nipple, he may simply refuse to breastfeed (this often happens in situations where after birth the baby had to be away from his mother for some time - during premature birth, after a cesarean section, etc.) . In this case, the silicone pad will, as it were, replace the nipple and help the baby gradually transition to the breast;
- During teething, the baby needs to scratch his gums, which can become a source of very unpleasant nipple injuries for the mother. In such a situation, the pads will perform a protective function;
- The device facilitates feeding in case of violations of the structure of the child’s oral cavity.
The main difference between existing breast pads is the material from which they are made. Based on this parameter, we can distinguish rubber, silicone and latex types of devices. The first ones are considered the most inconvenient, they are very rarely used, as they allow milk to accumulate and leak.
Latex and silicone options are the most successful due to the characteristics of these materials. Thus, silicone models can be as thin as possible, which gives them a lot of advantages, in particular:
- milk volume is not reduced;
- silicone is completely hypoallergenic, which cannot be said about latex, which may well provoke an allergic reaction in both mother and baby;
- thinness ensures maximum fit to the chest.
The overlays can also be different in shape: round, rectangular, irregular in shape. It is the non-standard options with a cutout for the nose at the top that are considered the best, since they do not protect the child from olfactory and physical contact with the mother.
Considering that every woman’s breasts are unique, the logical question is: how to choose the right breast pad? It’s worth noting right away that, depending on the manufacturer, the device can be offered in one, universal size, which is not always convenient, and in several sizes so that a woman can decide on the most comfortable one for herself. Typically the size chart includes options S, M and L.
When applying the device, the nipple should not touch the top of the silicone nipple, and its wide part should cover the areola. Here another question arises - how to determine the size so as not to make a mistake with the choice. Usually the manufacturer indicates the parameters in millimeters corresponding to the diameter of the nipple, so you can simply measure it. A simple way to determine this can be to apply your finger - if the nipple corresponds to the diameter of the little finger, then this is the smallest size, the ring finger - M, and the middle finger - the largest L.
Silicone pads are gaining wide popularity, and nursing mothers today have plenty to choose from, since many well-known manufacturers of baby products also offer this type of product. In general, the principle of the design and operation of the pads is the same, they usually differ only in details, but they can play a decisive role in ease of use, so if the first purchased option does not suit you, it is worth trying another one.
The protective pads are made of soft silicone, which has neither taste nor distinct odor. The size of the device is standard - 21 ml, and it allows you to effectively protect injured nipples while continuing to feed the baby and stimulate milk production. The set consists of a pair of pads and becomes indispensable during the development of lactation, the baby’s refusal of the mother’s breast, the presence of cracks and birth injuries, as well as during teething. The shield will also help with irregularly shaped nipples.
Swiss-made breast pads are made of safe silicone and allow your baby to suckle milk easily and comfortably. The device has special cutouts that allow the baby to maintain olfactory and tactile contact with the mother during feeding. A thin layer of silicone and the absence of any taste - this allows you to avoid any difficulties with the baby’s acceptance of such a device. The big advantage of the product is that it is available in several sizes, which can be selected based on the size of the nipple: 16, 20 and 24 millimeters. The set comes standard with two pieces.
The manufacturer of these linings is Japan. They are also made of silicone, fit tightly to the nipple and provide comfortable breastfeeding. Available in a set of two pieces in sizes M and L (for nipples with a diameter of 11 and 13 mm, respectively). The kit also comes with a container for convenient and hygienic storage of the device. At the end of the silicone protrusion under the nipple there are four holes, which help the baby receive milk from the mother's breast. Separately, it is worth noting the affordable cost of the product.
Polish-made silicone pads are presented in one universal size (L) and are made of high-quality material - thin and soft silicone that meets European quality standards. The set includes two attachments and a container for their convenient storage. The manufacturer warns that before first use, the product must be sterilized by boiling it for several minutes in clean water. Small and medium size pads are available for purchase.
It is worth understanding that incorrect use of attachments not only does not eliminate existing problems, but may well create new ones. Therefore, it is very important how the feeding device is put on and how correctly it is used.
So, before the first use, the product must be sterilized. How to do this will be indicated in the instructions; the most common way is to pour boiling water. Next, you need to prepare the breast - bring the nipple into an excited state, and moisten the pad a little with water for a better fit. The device is turned out a little, placed on the nipple itself, and the turned-out part is returned to its original position, tightly applied to the breast. The cutout (if there is one) should be on top so that the baby's nose is located there when feeding. The baby's position and grip should be no different from feeding without a pad.
The device should not be used without appropriate indications and extreme necessity. Unreasonable, constant and incorrect use of pads can lead to the following problems:
- a decrease in milk production, which experts associate with a violation of full psychological contact in the mother-child bond. This can affect the production of the pleasure hormone, which allows milk to be actively produced;
- even the thinnest and softest pads, with constant use, cause disturbances in the sucking mechanism, that is, the baby simply begins to do it more intensely due to the relative complexity compared to the “bare” nipple. The pauses become longer, the baby begins to “chew” the breast and strongly suck the nipple;
- when sucking with a pad, the volume of swallowed air increases;
- insufficient sterilization can cause infection;
- Gradually, both sides develop addiction.
Thus, it is advisable to use feeding pads only if you absolutely cannot do without it, and only temporarily, so as not to provoke addiction and its consequences.
The question of using pads or not is very controversial; some doctors are ardent opponents of this, and some even recommend the device. All the pros and cons of the device are discussed in detail in this video and are based on personal experience.
Alina: We used Medela pads, my baby and I really liked them. There were cracks in the nipples, so we decided to take this measure. Yes, there was still pain, but the breasts healed quickly and nothing bothered her.
Sveta: It’s kind of terrible, there was nothing like this before and everyone fed, but now it’s just unbearably necessary to protect the nipples. This is all nonsense.
Yana: I got too carried away with the device, and my milk supply began to decrease. Well, I reacted in time and everything was restored.
Christina: Pigeon fit me in size M. I really liked the quality, and the baby immediately recognized them, there were no problems at all.
Breast shields for feeding are special attachments that resemble female nipples with small holes in the front through which the baby receives mother's milk.
Their use is justified if a woman cannot breastfeed her baby in the usual way for certain reasons. Some mothers easily purchase such nipple shields, without really thinking about the fact that there are some contraindications to their use.
When manufacturers first offered breastfeeding pads to new mothers, women perceived them as a panacea for many problems.
However, several years later, breastfeeding experts found that these protective attachments more often harm the process of natural feeding than help mothers. That is why experts recommend that it is better not to use adjustments on the mother’s nipple, if such a possibility exists.
And yet this medical accessory should be treated without much negativity. In some situations, breastfeeding women simply cannot do without them.
- Cracked nipples. Most breastfeeding women are familiar with such injuries. With deep injuries, breastfeeding a child turns into a real test for the mother, who experiences discomfort and severe pain. Feeding with silicone shields is painless, so they can be used to protect damaged nipples. After the cracks have healed, the devices are immediately discarded.
- Features of infants. Premature newborns and babies with congenital disorders of the central nervous system experience serious difficulties when sucking the mother's breast. For example, it is not easy for them to “get” milk, since they begin to push out the nipples or wrap them with their tongue. In addition, it is difficult for them to keep the area around the nipple in their mouth. Breast pads help ensure proper grip and make it easier to obtain milk secretions, which is extremely important for a weakened baby.
- Increased sensitivity of the skin of the nipples. Each new parent has her own special pain threshold. With a reduced limit, a woman may experience unpleasant sensations that do not allow her to feed the child normally. However, the opinion of breastfeeding specialists is ambiguous. Some advise waiting until the nipple skin becomes rough (this will take several weeks). Others recommend not to endure it, but to use attachments when feeding. This is still better than feeding a baby with expressed milk from a bottle or supplementing it with a spoon.
- Teething . This testimony in some way echoes the previous one. During teething, the child becomes capricious and tries to scratch his gums with every object that comes into his mouth. Maternal nipples are no exception. With high sensitivity, children's bites cause severe pain. That is why, in such situations, a breast pad will help avoid unpleasant sensations when feeding the baby.
Sometimes women decide to use such an accessory due to the characteristics of the mammary gland.
However, experts are convinced that the size of the nipples (flat, inverted, excessively large) does not in any way affect the effectiveness of sucking. In such situations, you should not use nipple shields, but change the way the baby is applied to the breast.
Indeed, feeding a child with pads helps the mother with some problems with her or her child’s health. However, in most cases they are not needed.
Many breastfeeding specialists believe that using these devices means harming the optimal process of the baby receiving milk. However, first you should still describe the advantages of the chest attachment.
The advantages of using medical accessories include:
- reducing the impact on the skin and protecting the nipples themselves from injury;
- accelerated weaning of the child to the breast if he was previously fed from a bottle with a rubber nozzle (the sizes of the nipple and the pad for natural sucking are almost the same);
- the possibility of breastfeeding a premature baby or an infant with anatomical features of the oral apparatus.
Let us repeat that many experts question such advantages. Scientists advise looking for the problem and eliminating its cause. For example, if there are cracks, it is better to get rid of the damaged skin rather than resort to accessories that are foreign to the child.
The device has advantages, but breastfeeding consultants still place the main emphasis on the disadvantages of the pad for the female breast. It is believed that its use causes more harm to the child than good.
- Violation of sucking technique. The material of the nozzle is significantly harder than the skin of the mammary gland. After some time, the child is forced to change the technique of “producing” milk. He bites the nipple harder, using both the tongue and the jaw apparatus. Sometimes newborns breastfeed using the “vacuum” method, that is, becoming a kind of living breast pump. Having learned to receive nutrition in this way, the baby begins to suck the mother just as “violently,” causing even greater damage.
- Reluctance to return to the breast. With prolonged use of attachments, children have difficulty getting used to their mother’s gland, sometimes refusing to switch to natural feeding. The mother will need to make every effort so that the child can again get used to the shape and size of the breast, its softness, unusual taste, etc.
- Decreased milk production. Using a nipple shield may result in insufficient milk production. Several reasons lead to this. Firstly, the psychological interaction “mother-child” is disrupted, as a result of which little oxytocin is released, which affects milk production. Secondly, due to the fact that the baby does not stimulate the areola, milk consumption decreases and its production decreases.
- Difficulty in operation. The suction cup often slips off during feeding, resulting in the baby either choking on it or receiving excess air. Such technical difficulties can lead to digestive disorders (gas formation, colic) or constant regurgitation after feeding.
An overlay on the mother's breast often leads to psychological problems for the new mother herself. This is expressed by fear of feeding without latex attachments, worries that the child will refuse the breast. As a result, the woman is left with the attachments, and this harms both her and the baby.
On the market, a new parent can find three types of breast pads: rubber, latex and silicone. They differ in the material of manufacture and prevalence.
- Rubber pads for feeding are now extremely rare, and experts do not recommend their use. They represented an ordinary pacifier attached to a round base made of plastic or glass. Because of this, the baby moves away from the mother's breast, as a result, the nipples are not stimulated, milk flows past the baby's mouth, and, therefore, the baby does not get enough.
- A latex chest pad is also an outdated version of a medical device. It is unnatural to the touch and has a peculiar yellow color. Its technical characteristics also leave much to be desired - it quickly becomes unusable and acquires an unpleasant odor. In addition, children often experience allergic reactions to this material.
- Silicone pads are currently the most harmless and effective. They resemble plastic and almost transparent nozzles that have seals in the nipple area. Devices made from this material have a number of advantages:
- since the silicone pads are thin, the baby stimulates the papilla and milk is released in the required volume;
- the baby is more likely to relearn when switching to natural feeding;
- silicone pads help prevent breast injury and cracks;
- the child feels the warmth of the mother’s breast;
- Silicone pads are highly wear-resistant and have a long service life.
Thus, if it is necessary to use these medical devices, it is better for the mother to choose a “cap” made of silicone, since this material has fewer contraindications.
The most popular manufacturing companies make breast pads from silicone or latex, but each model has its own characteristics. They also differ in cost - from 250 to 2050 rubles.
The most popular brands: Avent, Medela, Ardo, Chicco.
This pad is made of very thin silicone, which does not have any taste or aroma. Philips Avent offers two models, which are characterized by different sizes:
- small Avent pads;
- regular Avent pads.
Philips Avent thin silicone solves two problems at once. For example, the baby does not come into contact with the damaged skin of the nipple during feeding.
At the same time, the baby feels all the warmth of the mother, maintaining close bodily contact with her. Avent is one of the leaders in the global market.
The Medela breast pad is available in several versions, differing in shape:
- size S - useful when feeding a child born prematurely, or with a nipple width less than a centimeter;
- size M – the width of the tense nipple is one centimeter;
- size L – the width of the tense nipple is more than a centimeter.
Such Medela devices are made from the finest silicone, which does not have a pronounced taste or smell.
This protective device is of high quality due to its material, flexibility and small parameters.
It is intended for short-term use, so it does not deprive the child of natural interaction with the mother.
M/L sizes help you choose the product that is most suitable for the mother's breast and child. In addition, women will be able to purchase an attachment based on its cost.
The manufacturer also produces two versions of medical devices: large and small. These breast pads are made of natural latex, which reliably protects damaged papillae and reduces pain.
The advantage of Chicco is the small container in which the “caps” are stored. The disadvantage is the use of latex for production, which is considered a more harmful material than silicone.
So, in stores you can buy a variety of models of medical accessories, so it’s not always clear to mom which ones are the best. It is extremely difficult to give the only correct advice on choosing nozzles.
Most likely, a nursing mother will have to buy several devices from different companies at once, put them on the nipple and feed the baby. If the sensations are pleasant for both participants in the process, then the choice was correct.
According to experts, you need to choose the thinnest, skin-like devices. Only silicone nipple covers (Avent, Medela) fit this description. Latex products will be less comfortable for the baby and mother.
The skill of putting on a nipple shield takes some time, so a woman should practice a little. The algorithm for using the device is as follows:
- The woman lifts the edges of the product with two fingers.
- Places the nozzle on the papilla, holding the edges.
- Presses the edges to the areola area.
To ensure a tighter fit of the “cap” to the skin, it is moistened with warm water. Feeding a child is carried out according to a completely ordinary method:
- the nipple is inserted as soon as the child opens his mouth;
- make sure that the lower lip and the child’s chin fit snugly to the areola;
- The meal does not end after a certain time, but at the baby’s request, the mother waits until the baby lets go of the breast.
The cover on the mother's breast does not allow the woman to feel the emptying of the mammary glands so acutely. Therefore, it is necessary to feel them regularly to prevent stagnation of milk. In addition, wet diapers should be counted. If a newborn pees 10-12 times a day, it means he has enough food.
Nipple shields must be constantly inspected and cleaned to prevent intestinal disorders in the baby. However, it is not recommended to boil “caps” made of silicone and latex too often, otherwise they will become hard. How to use it correctly?
- After purchasing a breast pad for your mother, you need to immediately sterilize it, that is, boil it for a couple of minutes.
- As soon as the child eats, the device is washed in soapy water and dried thoroughly.
- Nipple covers should be boiled regularly, every two days for a few minutes.
- If the house has a special sterilizer, then boiling is avoided. Steam sterilization is a more gentle procedure, so silicone or latex products will not soon become hard. Sterilize every day for 4-6 minutes.
- The devices are stored in a special container, which is usually sold as a set.
It is important to understand that you should not wash your mammary glands too often; they are already clean. But the issue of hygiene of silicone products should be approached thoroughly, since pathogenic bacteria actively develop in their cavities moistened with human milk.
A breast pad is a temporary device. That is why a nursing woman needs to understand both how to choose and use the accessory correctly, and how to refuse it. After all, after some time the nipples will heal, and the child will need to be reaccustomed to the natural process of feeding.
- Feeding begins in the pad, and after a few minutes it must be removed without the baby noticing.
- The breast, free from any devices, should be offered to a barely awakened baby - after a night or daytime sleep. A sleepy baby will not notice the substitution and will eagerly take the unprotected nipple.
- Is the mommy breast pad made of silicone? You can try to gradually cut off small pieces from the device so that the child has more and more direct contact with the mother’s body.
If you use the accessory for a long time, the baby may protest the mother’s desire to return to natural feeding. You should be patient and follow these steps:
- Try to spend even more time with your child. Carrying in your arms, sleeping together, cuddling - close physical contact will allow the baby to quickly remember his mother’s smell and taste.
- Avoid all breast substitutes. You should temporarily remove any pads, nipples, or pacifiers. The child will be forced to realize his sucking reflex exclusively on his mother’s breast.
- If the baby still does not want to eat without pads, try supplementing with expressed milk. A pipette, spoon or syringe without a needle will do. After feeding, you still need to offer the breast.
Breastfeeding experts warn that sometimes the duration of the return to natural feeding exceeds the period for which breast pads are purchased during breastfeeding. That is why they should not be used for very long; the ideal option is a few days, when the problem is most acute.
Breastfeeding pads cause a lot of criticism from doctors and breastfeeding specialists. Indeed, in some situations it is impossible to do without them, but in most cases their use is unjustified and can only lead to increased problems.
Experts recommend that mothers first establish the technique of putting their baby to the breast, and only then, if that doesn’t help, turn to silicone “caps.”
Types of overlays
Nipple covers can be as follows:
- Rubber
- Latex
- Silicone
Today, buying rubber pads is the most difficult thing. They are not always successful in design, which is why they have practically ceased to be sold. Rubber pads do not allow stimulation of the nipple and areola, so the milk begins to disappear. Also, rubber products often accumulate milk at the very bottom, and as a result, the baby does not receive it.
Typically, modern overlays are made of either latex or silicone. The silicone pads are very thin, which allows the baby to stimulate the nipple and areola. Such pads are very popular; they do not lead to allergies.
Latex pads are used less frequently, but still many mothers also love them very much. In particular, such pads are soft. However, over time they begin to tear. They usually work well as disposable items.
Overlay sizes
Nipple covers are available in several sizes. Typically you can find the following products on sale:
- Small size
- Standard
- Big size
It is best to purchase several types of linings at once. During fitting, the nipple should be tense. If the baby was born prematurely, then it is better to take small pads.
The nipple cover completely covers it and follows its shape. At the front of the product, the cover should not fit tightly to the nipple. As you feed, the nipple will stretch out to fill the empty tip area. If the mother experiences discomfort during feeding, it is best to take larger pads.
How to choose a product? Types and sizes
Regardless of the type of product, there are several features that should be taken into account when purchasing:
- Form . It should anatomically match the shape of the breast.
- Comfort . These little pads are used all day, so they need to be comfortable and fit properly.
- Thickness _ They should be thin so that the child feels them less.
- Availability of number of holes . Ideally there should be no more than 4.
Sizing chart:
International pad size | Compliance with the female breast (in a tense state of the nipple) |
S (16 mm) | Minimum size, corresponds to nipple diameter ‹ 1 cm |
M (20 mm) | Size medium, corresponds to nipple diameter ꞊ 1 cm |
L (24 mm) | Maximum size, corresponds to nipple diameter › 1 cm |
The best way to choose is to try on the product, but since this is difficult to do, you should accurately measure the size of the nipple in a tense state. The shield should fit easily and follow the shape of the nipple. When feeding a child, you should pay attention to ensure that the nipple completely fills the entire cavity inside the product.
Medela breastfeeding shields come in different sizes
If there is free space between the shield and the nipple or it puts pressure on the breast, then the size is chosen incorrectly. An important criterion when choosing a medical device is the feeling of thoracic congestion during feeding. This means that the selected product is quite thin and fits in size.
Features of choosing overlays
When choosing the size of a nipple shield, it is best to first purchase more economical options. Then it will be possible to move on to other forms or types. They may have a different number of holes, different heights and widths. Then it will be possible to draw a conclusion which attachment is ideal for mom.
The shape of the pad should ideally correspond to the anatomical features of the breast. For premature babies, it is best to buy S-size (smallest) attachments. They will be useful for those mothers whose erect nipples are no more than 1 cm in diameter.
Too large a diameter of the pads can also cause discomfort during feeding.
Basics of using pads
After purchasing pads, mothers may not always understand how to use them. What should you do first? Below we have provided a step-by-step process for using the overlays.
- The pads are sterilized.
- The nipple must be tensed.
- The product is turned outward and can be slightly moistened.
- The shield is then placed against the nipple and then pulled towards the breast.
- It is necessary that the product is pressed tightly.
- It is important to ensure that the cutout is in the front.
- You can drop a little milk on the nozzle to stimulate your baby's appetite.
The technology for attaching the baby to the breast should be the same as without pads. The baby's mouth opens wide and clasps the area above the areolas.
It is important to look at the baby’s weight during such feeding. If the child is malnourished, then it is necessary to change the pad or abandon it.
Finishing the use of the pads
To stop feeding with a nozzle, just follow these steps recommended by doctors:
- In the middle of feeding, you need to remove the pad and continue feeding without this attribute.
- When the baby is sleepy, you can give a real breast.
- If your baby is very attached to the attachments, you can try other methods of finishing feeding. In particular, you can feed your baby from a pipette or spoon.
Many mothers require nipple shields. But if you can refuse to use them, it is better to do so as soon as possible. There is no point in delaying refusal.
Contraindications
Contraindications will be large cracks in the nipple area with signs of suppuration, general diseases of the mother, in which doctors do not recommend breastfeeding. Do not use for painful sensations in the chest, swelling of the mammary glands, or lactostasis. In case of development of a bacterial infection of the breast, mastitis, it is also recommended to abandon the pads.
The use of feeding attachments can have negative consequences:
- The child gets used to the nozzle and, as a result, refuses natural feeding.
- Changing the sucking technique: capturing milk only due to the vacuum created, without applying excessive force, increased clenching of the jaws by the child.
- Low breast stimulation, which affects milk production.
- Psychological addiction of a woman to the nozzle and fear of switching to the natural way of sucking.