Nipple Shields . . . There was a time when even the thought of their use had Leaders and lactation consultants wringing their hands. Let's take a look at the research and literature. To begin, we should define our topic.
Nipple shields are artificial nipples worn over the mother's nipple during a feeding.
Since the 1500s, devices have been manufactured to provide a means of assisting infants at the breast or to protect a mother's sore or damaged nipples. Initially, nipple shields were made of lead, silver, wax, wood, pewter, tin, bone, ivory, or glass, usually with some sort of gum elastic or rubber teat on which the infant could suck. Interestingly, several of these older versions can still be seen in use today in certain areas of the world. While in Mexico recently, I was able to purchase a glass and rubber nipple shield at the local pharmacy and was told that they are used frequently there. Currently, though, most nipple shields in use are of the rubber, latex, or silicone variety.