Breastfeeding a baby is a special moment as well as very challenging for mothers. For a long time, experts have tried to find various innovations to help breastfeeding mothers. One of which is nipple shield. What are the uses? Come on, see here!
Nipple shield is a breastfeeding aid shaped like a nipple made of rubber or thin silicone. This tool can help mothers continue to breastfeed their baby comfortably when there are certain problems that interfere with the breastfeeding process.
A List of Breastfeeding Problems That Can Be Overcome With Nipple Shield
Use nipple shield actually quite easy, namely by attaching this tool to the mother's breast. Nipple shield This will cover the areola of the breast, which is the darker skin around the nipple.
Next, the end nipple shield which is designed like the shape of a breastfeeding mother's nipple, it will drain milk for the little one, while he sucks on the mother's breast as usual.
nowHere are a series of problems around breastfeeding that you can help with nipple shield:
1. Nipple sores and blisters
After giving birth, the mother has a duty to breastfeed the baby. Generally, newborns will feed every 1-2 hours. Because you have to breastfeed whenever your baby needs it, not a few mothers experience nipple abrasions and even wounds.
Breastfeeding when the nipple is injured can make the mother in pain, so that the breastfeeding moment becomes unpleasant. However, you can't wait until the wound dries up and heals, because you have to continue to breastfeed your little one.
So that you can still breastfeed, use nipple shield strongly recommended. By using this tool, abrasions and nipple sores can be protected by nipple shield so the pain is reduced.
2. Flat or sloping nipples
Generally, the nipple will protrude outward when breastfeeding. This will make it easier for the baby to suckle. However, some mothers have flat or sloping nipples, which makes it more difficult for the baby to suckle.
If you experience this condition, you should use nipple shield. When nipple shield paired and the little one sucks milk, the mother's nipples can be attracted and express milk as usual. That way, the breastfeeding process can be easier.
3. Tongue-tie in babies
Tongue-tie or ankyloglossia is a disorder that causes the baby's tongue to not move freely, making it difficult to suckle. If left unchecked, this condition risks causing the baby to lack breast milk and interfere with weight gain.
In fact tongue tie can be solved with a simple operation. However, before the operation was planned, nipple shield You can use it to help your little one suckle well.
4. Baby's mouth latch is not perfect
Not all newborns are adept at mouth latch while feeding. In fact, this attachment is very important so that the baby gets enough milk. If this problem occurs to your little one, you can help him by using nipple shield.
5. Premature babies
Generally, premature babies or babies born before 34 weeks of gestation, do not yet have good sucking and swallowing abilities. Premature babies will usually need a nasogastric tube to get breast milk.
However, premature babies also need to practice direct breastfeeding, although this activity can be quite tiring for them. Now, when you start practicing, you can use nipple shield to make it easier for the little one to suck the breast.
It's perfectly normal to have problems while breastfeeding, and you shouldn't give up easily. Now there are many how come, innovations that can help mothers fulfill exclusive breastfeeding. One of which is nipple shield.
So that your little one can get enough breast milk, choose nipple shield the right one and according to the size of your breasts. In addition, it is also important to always wash or sterilize this tool before and after use, so that the baby is protected from germs.
If you still have problems regarding breastfeeding or feel doubtful and confused about choosing nipple shield If it's good, you can consult a lactation consultant to get the right solution.
