How to Wean a Baby Off a Nipple Shield

A nipple shield is a piece of silicone, latex or rubber that fits over a mother's nipple while she breastfeeds. Nipple shields can help a woman successfully breastfeed if she is having difficulty because her baby was premature, she has flat or inverted nipples, or a poor latch has damaged her nipples. However, mothers hope to eventually wean off the shields, since they can reduce milk supply and can be a hassle to use. When you are ready to transition your baby from a nipple shield, remember that the process requires patience and commitment. It can take anywhere from two days to more than a month to wean your baby completely.

Instructions

1

Choose the right time to attempt breastfeeding without the nipple shield. Look for the beginning signs of hunger, such as rooting or sucking on her hands, and attempt breastfeeding before your baby has gotten too hungry. A starving baby may not have the patience to try to figure how to get milk from a bare breast. You can also try to breastfeed when your baby is sleepy, since she may accept the breast more easily than when she is completely awake.

2

Prime your breast so your baby will have an easier time getting milk. Grasp your breast along the edge of the areola -- as if you are holding a sandwich you are about to bite. This makes your breast firmer so it will feel more like the nipple shield. Roll your nipple between your fingers or put ice on it to make it harder. Hand-express or pump long enough that you have a let-down. This will give your baby an immediate reward when he starts nursing.

3

Offer a bare breast to your baby and see if she will breastfeed. Try a couple of times, but if your baby becomes frustrated, stop. If your baby develops negative associations with breastfeeding, it will make weaning off the nipple shield more difficult.

4

Let your baby begin breastfeeding with the nipple shield in place. Wait until you have a let-down and notice a pause in your baby's sucking. Gently remove your baby from your breast, slip off the shield and then swiftly try relatching him. If he refuses to breastfeed, you can put the shield back on and try again at a later time.

5

Feed your baby on one breast with the shield and then offer your bare breast when you switch her to the other side. Again, if your baby refuses to nurse, you can just slip the shield back on and try another time.

6

Stay calm and continue gently attempting to breastfeed without the nipple shield. Don't worry about weaning your baby as quickly as possible. International board certified lactation consultant Nancy Mohrbacher points out that it is best to let your baby use the nipple shield as long as he needs. Babies will typically give up the shield when they are ready, sometimes with little to no effort.