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If you’re struggling with breastfeeding pain, latch issues, or that nagging worry about whether your baby is getting enough milk, you’re not alone. These challenges are incredibly common in those early weeks of nursing—and sometimes, a simple tool called a nipple shield can make all the difference.
But nipple shields aren’t just about comfort. New technology is transforming these age-old breastfeeding aids into confidence-building tools that can help mothers see their milk transfer in real time. We spoke with Dr. Mona Amin, a board-certified pediatrician and breastfeeding advocate (as well as podcast host and Instagram voice of reason when it comes to pediatric health), to understand how nipple shields work, when they’re most helpful, and how recent innovations are supporting nursing mothers in ways we’ve never seen before.
What exactly is a nipple shield?
A nipple shield is a thin, flexible cover made of silicone that fits over your nipple and areola during breastfeeding. Unlike the thick, rigid shields of the past, modern nipple shields are designed to be ultra-thin and barely noticeable once baby latches on.
“Shields are simply a tool,” Dr. Amin explains. “Using one does not reflect on a mother’s ability—it’s about finding solutions that work for the mother-baby pair.”
Think of a nipple shield as a gentle intermediary between you and your baby—one that can help with latch difficulties, reduce pain, and even provide reassurance during those uncertain early days of nursing.
When might you need a nipple shield?
According to Dr. Amin, nipple shields can be most helpful for mothers who:
- Are struggling with latch issues, particularly with flat or inverted nipples
- Have “nipple trauma phobia—a real thing I see where mothers wince at concern baby may irritate or injure nipples and they want a medium to be able to nurse but reduce physical irritation”
- Experience pain that makes direct latching difficult
- Feel anxious about whether their baby is getting milk, even after working with a lactation consultant
- Have had early weight gain concerns and want extra reassurance during feeds
- Are supplementing but want to maintain at-breast feeding
“Not every mother-baby pair needs a nipple shield,” Dr. Amin notes. “If latch and milk transfer are already going well, there may be no benefit.”
The revolutionary change: Visual milk transfer confirmation
Here’s where things get exciting. Traditional nipple shields have always been passive tools—helpful for latch and pain relief, but offering no feedback about what’s actually happening during a feed. That’s changing with innovations like the Munchkin Flow Nipple Shield+, which features a built-in milk channel that allows mothers to see their milk moving in real time.
“Most nipple shields are passive tools—they can help with latch or nipple pain, but they don’t give moms real-time feedback,” Dr. Amin explains. “Flow’s built-in milk channel changes that. It allows a mother to see milk moving as her baby nurses, which can reduce one of the biggest early breastfeeding stressors: ‘Is my baby getting milk?’”
From a clinical perspective, Dr. Amin calls this visual confirmation “a first-of-its-kind feature that adds tangible, instant feedback to the breastfeeding experience.” While it doesn’t replace other ways of assessing milk transfer, it provides something invaluable: peace of mind.
Why seeing is believing—and how it impacts your milk supply
The connection between confidence and successful breastfeeding runs deeper than you might think. “Confidence and milk supply are linked—stress and doubt can affect letdown and make feeds less productive,” Dr. Amin explains. “When a mom sees milk moving during a feed, it removes some of the guesswork, which helps her relax. A more relaxed mother often has better oxytocin release, supporting milk ejection.”
This creates what Dr. Amin describes as a “ripple effect”: “That confidence boost in the early weeks often has a ripple effect—moms are more likely to continue breastfeeding when they feel secure in their ability to nourish their baby.”
The numbers support this. Studies of the Munchkin Flow Nipple Shield+ showed that 87% of mothers continued breastfeeding at 12 months, compared to the national average of just 39.5%.
Understanding what you’re seeing: Normal vs. concerning patterns
Visual confirmation doesn’t just provide reassurance—it can also help you understand normal feeding patterns versus potential concerns. Dr. Amin explains that seeing milk flow intermittently, especially in the early weeks, is often completely normal since “letdowns come in waves.”
However, if there’s no visible movement despite good latch and suckling, “that could point toward a possible supply or transfer issue worth investigating with a lactation consultant.”
The key, Dr. Amin emphasizes, is that “visual confirmation gives moms one more piece of information to pair with other clinical indicators like weight gain, diaper counts, and feeding behavior.”
When NOT to use a nipple shield
While nipple shields can be incredibly helpful, they’re not right for every situation. Dr. Amin would avoid recommending a shield if:
- The baby has a cleft lip or palate that prevents effective suction
- There’s a significant tongue tie or oral restriction that needs addressing first
- The mother has a well-established, pain-free latch and strong supply—”adding a shield wouldn’t improve outcomes”
- The shield is being used as a substitute for getting needed lactation support for persistent issues
How to use a nipple shield properly
Getting the right fit is crucial for both comfort and effectiveness. Here’s what you need to know:
Sizing matters: Nipple shields come in different sizes, typically ranging from 16mm to 24mm. The shield should fit snugly over your nipple without being too tight or too loose.
Proper positioning: Center the shield over your nipple, making sure it adheres well to your skin. The tip of your nipple should sit comfortably in the shield’s nipple area without being compressed.
Getting baby to latch: Help your baby latch onto the shield just as you would for direct breastfeeding—mouth wide open, taking in both the nipple area and part of the areola section of the shield.
Monitor effectiveness: Watch for signs that baby is actively transferring milk—rhythmic swallowing sounds, jaw movement, and (with visual confirmation technology) visible milk flow.
Planning your transition
One of the biggest concerns mothers have about nipple shields is whether their baby will ever be able to nurse without one. Dr. Amin addresses this directly: “While some babies need a gradual transition, most adjust and can feed without a shield over time. The key is having a plan from the start for when and how to try feeds without it.”
The visual feedback from newer shields can actually make this transition easier. “It helps moms learn what an effective feed looks like, so when they go without the shield, they’re better at spotting the same signs directly at the breast,” Dr. Amin explains.
“Flow is designed as a confidence-building tool, not a permanent fixture,” she adds. “Many moms naturally reduce their use as their latch improves and anxiety about supply decreases.”
Addressing common concerns and misconceptions
Dr. Amin frequently addresses these worries in her practice:
“My baby will never go back to the breast without it.” This is the most common fear, but as Dr. Amin reassures: “While some babies need a gradual transition, most adjust and can feed without a shield over time.”
“It will lower my milk supply.” “Older, thicker shields could impact stimulation, but modern, thin shields like Flow—when properly fitted—have not been shown to significantly affect milk supply.”
“It means I’m failing at breastfeeding.” This couldn’t be further from the truth. “Shields are simply a tool,” Dr. Amin reminds us. “Using one does not reflect on a mother’s ability—it’s about finding solutions that work for the mother-baby pair.”
Setting yourself up for success
When starting with a nipple shield, Dr. Amin recommends:
- Clarify the purpose: Understanding why you’re using it helps measure progress
- Plan for transition: If the goal is to eventually feed without it, outline gradual steps to try direct latching when baby is calm
- Monitor feeding effectiveness: Track wet diapers, weight gain, and baby’s behavior after feeds
- Get follow-up support: Work with a lactation consultant so adjustments can be made as needed
- Ensure proper fit and care: Make sure the shield fits well and is cleaned according to manufacturer instructions
The bottom line
Nipple shields—especially those with visual confirmation technology—represent a significant advancement in breastfeeding support tools. They’re not a cure-all, but for the right mother-baby pairs, they can provide crucial support during those challenging early weeks.
“From a clinical perspective, that reassurance can be powerful—especially in the first few weeks when confidence is fragile and anxiety can interfere with letdown,” Dr. Amin explains. “It doesn’t replace other ways of assessing milk transfer, but it’s a first-of-its-kind feature that adds tangible, instant feedback to the breastfeeding experience.”
Remember: there’s no shame in using tools that help you and your baby succeed. Breastfeeding is a learned skill for both of you, and sometimes a little extra support can make all the difference in your journey.
Always consult with a lactation consultant or healthcare provider before starting to use a nipple shield to ensure proper fit and to address any underlying latch or supply concerns.
Featured expert
Dr. Mona Amin is a Board Certified Pediatrician, IBCLC, podcast host and a mom of two.