Nipple shields seem to be very easy to access but can be hard and frustrating to use. Many parents are handed a shield by a healthcare provider, family member, or friend but aren’t taught anything about them or even helped to understand if they actually need one or not (hint: often not).

This handout provides some basic information on what a nipple shield is, how to use and care for it, and when to know if you’re ready to ditch it or need to reach out to an IBCLC for more personal care.