Nipple shield
Nipple Shield
A Nipple Shield (pronunciation: /ˈnipəl ʃiːld/) is a flexible silicone cover that is worn over the nipple and areola during breastfeeding.
Etymology
The term "nipple shield" is derived from the English words "nipple", referring to the projection on the breasts or udder of a mammal by which breast milk is delivered to a mother's young, and "shield", meaning a protective device or structure.
Usage
Nipple shields are used for various reasons such as helping babies who have difficulty achieving a proper latch, protecting sore or cracked nipples, or aiding in breastfeeding for babies with a cleft lip. However, they should be used under the guidance of a healthcare professional, as improper use can lead to decreased milk supply or other breastfeeding complications.
Related Terms
- Breastfeeding: The process of feeding a mother's breast milk to her infant, either directly from the breast or by expressing (pumping out) the milk from the breast and bottle-feeding it to the infant.
- Latch: The way a baby takes the nipple and areola into their mouth to suckle, which is important for comfortable and effective breastfeeding.
- Areola: The dark-colored area on the breast that surrounds the nipple.
- Cleft Lip: A split or opening in the upper lip that occurs when developing facial structures in an unborn baby don't close completely.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Nipple shield
- Wikipedia's article - Nipple shield
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