How to get a deep latch with a nipple shield
Whether you’re using a nipple shield for pain, you were given one in the hospital and are still using it, or your baby needs one to feed effectively, the most important thing about using this tool is working with your baby to achieve a deep, effective latch.
In this blog, I’ll help you understand why getting a deep latch with a shield can be tricky and what you can do to make it easier.
Why Does a Deep Latch Matter with a Nipple Shield?
A proper latch is about more than reducing pain. It helps your baby drain your breasts or chest effectively, ensuring they get as much milk as possible during feeding. This supports milk supply and makes feeding more efficient, whether or not you’re using a nipple shield.
If you’re unsure about what a deep latch looks like, I recommend reading my blog post Why a Deep Latch Matters (and How to Get One) before continuing with this post.
Why Is Latching with a Nipple Shield Tricky?
Achieving a deep latch—and what some refer to as a proper latch—with a nipple shield can be tricky for two main reasons:
#1 - Nipple shields are larger than your natural nipple.
A shield is wider and longer than your natural nipple, sticking out farther from your body. This can trigger your baby’s sucking reflex too soon, causing them to close their mouth on just the shield’s nipple instead of taking in enough areola. This leads to a shallow latch.
#2 - It doesn’t hurt, so you may not notice the shallow latch.
If the nipple shield reduces pain as intended, it’s easy to miss that your baby is feeding with a shallow latch. Without pain as a signal, you might stop focusing on helping your baby achieve an optimal latch.
How to Help Your Baby Latch Deeply with a Nipple Shield
The easiest way to help your baby achieve a deep, effective latch is to make sure your nipple shield is the correct size. Your shield should mirror your natural nipple size as closely as possible, but if it’s too small, it may fall off during latching.
Measure your nipples using a printable ruler and select a shield 1–2mm larger than your measurement. If you don’t have a ruler, download one here.
Focus on Latching Position
Latching with a nipple shield requires extra intention. Follow these steps:
- Step One: Get your baby’s chin planted on your breast or chest, keeping the nipple out of the way.
- Step Two: Wait for your baby to open their mouth as wide as possible.
- Step Three: Help your baby forward so the nipple enters their mouth after they open wide.
Practicing when both you and your baby are calm can make these steps easier. Remember, it’s not about perfection but progress.
If your baby doesn’t get a deep latch, that’s OK. You can either try again if they are calm or wait a bit for them to settle down and try latching again. The key is getting the nipple out of the way until they have opened their mouth as widely as they can.
Final Thoughts
Helping your baby latch deeply (or properly) with a nipple shield takes practice, but each small step is progress. Be patient with yourself and your baby, and don’t hesitate to seek support if you need it.
Download the Free Gentle Latching Guide
Learn step-by-step techniques to help your baby latch deeply and comfortably.
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