Using a Nipple Shield for Nursing: What You Need to Know

“My baby couldn’t latch in the hospital, and the nurse gave me a nipple shield. I’ve been using it ever since—should I keep going with it, or try to nurse without it?”

If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Many moms are introduced to a nipple shield during those early hours or days after birth, often when baby is having trouble latching or mom is dealing with sore or flat nipples. And while nipple shields can be incredibly helpful, they also bring up lots of questions.

Should you keep using it? Can it affect your milk supply? Will you need to pump while using it? Let’s break it all down together in a warm, realistic way so you can feel confident moving forward.

What Is a Nipple Shield, and Why Is It Used?

A nipple shield is a thin, flexible silicone cover that fits over your nipple during nursing. It’s often used when:

• Baby is struggling to latch, especially if they were born early, have a tongue tie, or need more time to coordinate sucking.
• You’re dealing with flat, inverted, or very sore nipples.
• You need a temporary solution to get through a tough patch while nursing skills develop.

If a shield helped you get started with nursing, it’s already served an important purpose. And if your baby is feeding well and gaining weight with it in place, that’s a win!

Should I Keep Using the Shield or Try Nursing Without It?

This is one of the most common questions, especially if you were started on a shield in the hospital. The answer? You don’t have to stop immediately—but it’s often helpful to work toward nursing without it when you and your baby are ready.

If your baby is transferring milk well, gaining weight, and seems content after nursing, it’s okay to keep using the shield for now. Many moms gradually wean off the shield as baby gets stronger and more coordinated.

Here are a few gentle ways to start transitioning:

• Try offering the breast without the shield once a day when baby is calm or sleepy.
• Nurse with the shield, then gently remove it mid-feed and see if baby will relatch directly.
• Use skin-to-skin contact to help baby feel more familiar and curious about the breast.
• Work with a lactation consultant to develop a gradual plan.

There’s no pressure. Some babies wean off the shield quickly, while others take a little longer. What matters most is that feeding is working for both of you.

Try Different Nursing Positions

If your baby is struggling with latch—either with or without the shield—trying new nursing positions can make a big difference. Positioning helps with milk flow, latch comfort, and baby’s ability to feed effectively.

The laid-back (biological nurturing) position is especially helpful when:

• Your baby needs more time to find the nipple and latch on their own
• You want to encourage a deep, instinctive latch without as much effort
• You’re trying to reduce nipple pain or improve positioning with the shield

To try it, recline comfortably with baby resting on your chest, tummy to tummy, and let your baby root and nuzzle until they latch. Gravity helps baby stay close and aligned, and it gives you a chance to relax while nursing.

Other positions that work well with a nipple shield include:

• Football hold (great for moms recovering from C-sections)
• Side-lying, which allows both of you to rest while nursing
• Cross-cradle, offering good control of baby’s head and the shield

Experiment and see what helps your baby latch best—and what feels good for you, too.

Can Using a Nipple Shield Affect My Milk Supply?

It can, but not always. A shield can make it harder for some babies to remove milk as efficiently, which may reduce the stimulation your body needs to make more milk. But here’s the good news: many moms use shields successfully without supply issues, especially when they:

• Nurse frequently (8–12 times in 24 hours)
• Watch for swallowing and signs of milk transfer
• Keep an eye on baby’s wet/dirty diapers and weight gain
• Pump if needed to ensure the breasts are being fully emptied

If your supply seems to dip or baby isn’t gaining well, a few short pumping sessions after nursing can help protect and boost your milk production.

Do I Need to Pump While Using a Nipple Shield?

You don’t always need to, but sometimes pumping can help—especially in the early days. Consider pumping if:

• Baby doesn’t nurse long or drains only part of the breast
• Feedings feel incomplete or your breasts stay full
• You’re trying to increase your supply or build a small stash
• You skipped a feed and want to maintain supply

You don’t have to pump after every session, but even one or two daily sessions can go a long way if you’re trying to protect your supply.

Tips for Using a Nipple Shield Successfully

• Make sure the shield fits properly. A lactation consultant can help you find the right size.
• Fill the tip of the shield with a little milk before latching—this encourages baby to suck.
• Keep the shield clean between uses with warm, soapy water and air drying.
• Pay attention to how your breasts feel after feeds—they should soften, and baby should seem satisfied.

Making Nursing Work for You and Your Baby

If a nipple shield helped get nursing started, that’s something to celebrate. Whether you keep using it for a while or begin working toward weaning off, you’re finding a way that works—and that’s what matters most.

Yes, shields can affect milk supply, but many moms maintain a healthy supply with thoughtful nursing, the right positioning, and occasional pumping. Trying different holds, including laid-back nursing, can help you and your baby feel more comfortable and confident.

Got questions or stories about using a nipple shield? Feel free to share in the comments—we’re all learning together.