Can a Nipple Guard Help Premature Babies?

A nipple guard is a device used to help newborns with latching issues. It looks like an extended nipple and helps create suction for breastfeeding. It can also be useful for mums with flat or inverted nipples as it gives them a firmer target to latch onto. In addition, it can help babies who struggle to suck or latch because of a tongue tie, tongue thrust, nipple pain or birth injuries. It can be useful for premature babies as well.

A study showed that using a nipple shield can help these babies to nurse and grow. However, it’s important that breastfeeding professionals monitor and observe the latching and positioning of these babies while they use the shield so that they can teach them to suck and nurse properly without it.

It’s also important to note that a nipple shield will not correct underlying issues such as nipple pain, nipple damage or low milk production. It is therefore suggested that these babies are supplemented with expressed milk and formula while they are using the nipple shield.

A nipple shield should only be used temporarily, as your baby will eventually learn to latch and feed without it. If you need to continue using a nipple shield, offer your baby skin-to-skin contact regularly every day without the shield and try to wean them off slowly. Be sure to work with a lactation professional and your physician while you’re using the nipple shield so that you can have regular weight checks to ensure that your infant is growing well.