Medela Contact Nipple Shield
Product Overview
The Medela Contact Nipple Shield is an effective tool for moms to manage infants with latch-on problems. It also assists moms with overactive let-downs or for flat, inverted and sore nipples. The Contact Nipple Shield provide skin-to-skin contact for important mom/baby bonding. The shield is made from 100% silicone.
Why I Like It
I never expected breastfeeding to be as challenging as it was. My daughter had trouble breastfeeding, but I did not want to bottle feed her. Three days after she was born I saw a lactation consultant who told me I had inverted nipples which was why my daughter was not feeding from the breast. The consultant suggested several things, which I tried and ended up even more frustrated. Finally my pediatrician told me about nipple shields. After researching it, I found the Medela Contact Nipple Shield and was finally able to breastfeed. An added bonus is that I don’t have to worry about chapped or sore nipples!
Medela also has a regular nipple shield however I prefer the contact nipple shield so that I get some skin-to-skin contact with my baby.
There are some people who say that the nipple shield will decrease your milk production, however, after talking to my health care provider I can tell you that is not true. In fact many moms have used the nipple shield as long as they are breastfeeding and have never experienced any problems.
Where to Buy
Amazon ($6.05 + shipping)
Babies R Us ($5.99 + shipping)
BabyCenter ($7.16 + shipping)
Target ($5.99 + shipping)
Both Target and Babies R Us are comparable in price. Check shipping costs to your location to determine which has the best price.
I love the Medela nipple shield! My son was a preemie and, as for most preemies, breast feeding him was even more challenging than it is with full-term babies. Preemies, until they reach a certain age and maturity, don’t have the strength to suck on the Mom’s breast or at least not long enough for a full meal. On top of it, I have flat nipples which makes breast feeding even more challenging. It was a frustrating undertaking for both my son and I for weeks. Finally, my lactation consultant recommended trying a nipple shield. The day I started using it, my baby was finally able to get a full, satisfying, peaceful meal from my breast. Also, my nipples were less and less sore as I was using the nipple shield and breast feeding wasn’t painful anymore.