The use of nipple shields by breastfeeding women

Abstract

The use of nipple shields when breastfeeding has given rise to concerns about possible harmful effects. A study was carried out to examine this issue. A lactation consultant's (LC) patients using nipple shields were compared with her other patients who were not using nipple shields, and an incidental sample of all postnatal breastfeeding women. The three groups were compared on discharge from hospital and at 3 months. Breastfeeding rates and problems (nipple trauma and mastitis) were studied: on discharge from hospital the LC patients who were not using nipple shields were significantly less likely to be breastfeeding than either of the other two groups. At 3 months, both LC groups were less likely to be breastfeeding than the postnatal group; there was no significant differences between the women using nipple shields and those who were not. There were no significant difference in reported problems in the 3 groups. It is concluded that women with breastfeeding problems are more likely to give up breastfeeding than those women who do not have major problems, and that the use of nipple shields is not a contributing factor and does not appear to compromise lactation.