Nipple shield (breastfeeding)
Nipple shield (breastfeeding)
A nipple shield is a flexible silicone nipple that is worn over the mom's nipple during a feeding. Nipple shields are used in various situations which could make breastfeeding more difficult, such as with premature babies, inverted, flat or very large nipples, or an overactive let-down.
Pronunciation
Nipple shield: /ˈnɪpəl ʃiːld/
Etymology
The term "nipple shield" is derived from the words "nipple", which refers to the projection of breast from which milk flows, and "shield", which means a protective device.
Usage
Nipple shields are intended to help mothers who are experiencing breastfeeding problems due to issues like latching difficulties, flat or inverted nipples, or sore or cracked nipples. They are also used to help premature babies who have difficulty latching onto the mother's nipple.
Related Terms
- Breastfeeding: The process of feeding a baby with milk directly from the mother's breast.
- Latching: The way a baby takes a mother's nipple and areola into their mouth to suckle.
- Inverted Nipples: A condition where the nipple, instead of pointing outward, is retracted into the breast.
- Flat Nipples: Nipples that do not protrude from the level of the areola but retract inwards instead.
- Overactive Let-Down: A condition where the milk flows out of the breast at a faster rate than the baby can swallow.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Nipple shield (breastfeeding)
- Wikipedia's article - Nipple shield (breastfeeding)
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