2008-12-27T18:07:24-08:00 Breast shields are wonderful tools in certain situations. In a case of flat or inverted nipples, it may be all the baby needs to have a nipple to latch on to, and in the process, it helps pull the mother's nipple out and works to correct the problem while keeping the baby at the breast. Caution! It is best to have a Lactation Consultant working with a mother who uses breast shields in order to prevent problems from arising. If the shield is used as protection for sore nipples, the cause of the soreness should be determined and corrected. The majority of the time, sore nipples are caused by improper positioning at the breast, or by something going on in the baby's mouth. If a nipple shield is used as a band-aid in these situations, the cause of the problem should be corrected simultaneously. Weaning from the shield is another issue. Current breastfeeding literature indicates that an average of three weeks is needed. Some of the older books and articles may recommend trimming a little material off the shield each day to trick the baby into getting back to the un-shielded nipple. This may have worked with the old latex shields, but trimming the newer silicone material all the companies now use may cause a sharp edge, which can cut a baby's mouth. Product tampering is usually not a good idea. A better way is to slowly delete its use. When babies are asleep they frequently do not notice the shield's absence. Slipping it off half way through a feed can work also. Problems with your babies weight gain or dehydration may indicate a more serious suckling problem, which should be checked by a Lactation Consultant immediately. This one small tool can save a large investment in other gadgets, which may not be necessary in many situations. 27 Nursing Aids-Nipple Shields breast shields Nursing Aids-Nipple Shields 23 published 2008-12-27T18:07:24-08:00