Congratulations on your new arrival! While you might be feeling sore and sleep-deprived, we know you're excited to start your journey as a mom. You might be experiencing a mix of emotions—tired, scared, and thrilled all at once. Everything seems to be going well, but you encounter a problem: breastfeeding isn't going as smoothly as you'd hoped. In situations like these, a nipple shield might help. Here, you'll find the best nipple shield options available in the Philippines. But first, let's cover the basics.
What is a Nipple Shield?
Have you seen those plastic-like molds of nipples? Those are nipple shields. But here's a more scientific explanation. According to the Cleveland Clinic, a nipple shield is a "silicone device worn over your nipple to help your baby if they struggle with breastfeeding". To describe, Cleveland Clinic says that it has a base that wraps your areola and a cone-shaped area for your nipple. Some nipple shields are cut out to allow more skin-to-skin contact with your little one.
Best Nipple Shield for Breastfeeding Moms
[product-comparison-table title="Best Nipple Shield"]
Best Nipple Shield for Babies with Tongue Tie
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Best Nipple Shield Brands to Reduce Breastfeeding Discomfort | Lansinoh[/caption]
These nipple shields come from a popular baby and Mommy brand, Lansinoh. The brand is known for its breast pumps, nipple creams, and breastmilk storage, among others. Of course, it also has its own nipple shields under its nipple care segment.
Lansinoh Contact Nipple Shields are awesome because they are ultra-thin and super soft. These are most suitable for babies with tongue-tie, or a condition that is characterized by "an unusually short, thick or tight band of tissue (lingual frenulum) tethers the bottom of the tongue's tip to the floor of the mouth" according to Mayo Clinic.
Moms of babies who have this condition and have tried these nipple shields swear by them. They say that its nipple area is the perfect size, making latching a breeze! The curve on the top also keeps the shields from covering the baby's nose in case it comes loose.
Features we love:
- Comes with a carrying case.
- Made of 100% silicone.
- BPA- and BPS-free.
Best Nipple Shield for On-The-Go Moms
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Best Nipple Shield Brands to Reduce Breastfeeding Discomfort | Medela[/caption]
Here's another brand that breastfeeding moms trust a lot. Medela is known for its breast pumps and other breastfeeding accessories, so it's no surprise that it also has nipple shields. The great thing about this is it comes with its own carrying case. Busy moms can easily tote this in their bags and whip them out when their babies need to feed.
So how does it fare when it comes to helping you breastfeed? Consumers tout these as a "lifesaver" and even say that it saved their breastfeeding journey. That's because the silicone of the Medela Contact Nipple Shield is soft and thin, and helps you to breastfeed without excruciating pain. Of course, this is a short-term solution. The idea is to transition to breastfeeding on your own once you and your little one have gotten the hang of it, but for those who have used Medela Contact Nipple Shield, they say they are definitely worth a try.
Features we love:
- Safe for baby.
- Has no taste.
- BPA-free.
Best Affordable Nipple Shield
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Best Nipple Shield Brands to Reduce Breastfeeding Discomfort | CM Bear[/caption]
For less than Php 200, you can get your own pair of nipple shields from CM Bear. These give a more natural feel, thanks to their ultra-thin silicone. They are also light and breathable so both you and baby will be comfortable.
Users are satisfied with this product. They say that you just need to follow the instructions very well and you should have no problem with these nipple shields. The fact that it costs a little over a fancy frappe also makes it an enticing buy. You won't have to fork over a lot to help you in your breastfeeding journey.
Features we love:
- Gives gentle areolar pressure.
- Gentle and soft cushion.
- Made from silicone.
Best Nipple Shield for New Moms
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Best Nipple Shield Brands to Reduce Breastfeeding Discomfort | Horigen[/caption]
Also a brand that's known for its breast pump, Horigen carries its own nipple shield as well. Each box comes with a pair of nipple shields that feature a round-hole design. This design is said to ensure the smooth flow of the milk from the mother's nipple to the baby's mouth. The base, on the other hand, is heart-shaped to increase the contact area and promote skin-to-skin contact. Horigen recommends its nipple shields to be replaced every four to eight weeks.
Those who have tried Horigen Natural Fit Nipple Shield are very pleased with the product. They say that placing a dab of breastmilk on your nipples before putting the nipple shields help make it stick properly. They are also happy that the material is soft and therefore, makes breastfeeding more comfortable. Some mommies were even pleasantly surprised that the silicone was that thin, which helps everything feel more natural.
Features we love:
- Has a round hole design to keep the milk flowing.
- Base is heart-shaped to adhere properly.
- Made from food-grade silicone.
Best Nipple Shield for Moms of Newborns
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Best Nipple Shield Brands to Reduce Breastfeeding Discomfort | Pigeon[/caption]
Pigeon is no stranger to baby brands. It has most of the products that moms and babies would need — from nursing bottles, breast pumps, baby wipes, toothbrushes, to skincare items. Also included in its roster are its nipple shields.
The strength of these nipple shields are in their name: they provide a natural fit! This makes them an absolute winner for moms of newborns who need to make sure that their little ones latch properly. This will help them continue with their breastfeeding journey.
So what do users say about Natural Fit Pigeon Nipple Shields? For one, they are quite happy with their texture. They are soft, making it easy to wear and for baby to suck on. They also effectively protect the nipples from soreness and cracking. Any breastfeeding mom can attest that cracked and sore nipples are the worst because they make every feed excruciating.
Features we love:
- Thin and soft.
- Made of soft silicone rubber.
- Provides wide contact surface.
Best Nipple Shield for Inverted Nipples
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Best Nipple Shield Brands to Reduce Breastfeeding Discomfort | Orange and Peach[/caption]
Orange and Peach prides itself by making products that prioritize the mom and the baby's safety. They are all free from the nasties like BPA, phthalates, and other toxic chemicals. They are also effective and reasonably priced.
Its nipple shields in the Philippines are no exception. For only P249, you get a pair complete with a carrying case. If that's not enough, you'll also be grateful that it effectively facilitates proper latching. According to its users, it helps those with inverted nipples who may find it difficult to make the baby nurse. The shape is just right and the thickness of the material is just enough so that it protects the areola, but at the same time, it allows the baby to get milk with ease.
Features we love:
- BPA- and phthalate-free.
- Has a unique shape to aid in skin-to-skin contact.
- Made of soft silicone.
Price Comparison Table
To help you choose the best nipple shield for you, check out the nipple shield prices below:
| Brand |
Price |
| Lansinoh |
Php 600.00 |
| Medela |
Php 1,030.00 |
| CM Bear |
Php 160.00 |
| Horigen |
Php 200.00 |
| Pigeon |
Php 520.00 |
| Orange and Peach |
Php 249.00 |
Editor’s Note: Each item and price is up to date at the time of publication. However, an item may be sold out or the price may be different at a later date.
When to Use a Nipple Shield?
According to KellyMom.com, generally, nipple shields should be considered a short-term solution. It is also important to use this with the guidance of a lactation consultant. So, keep these in mind before you get one.
There are several reasons why you can use a nipple shield. The first is the example mentioned earlier that is when your newborn is unable to latch correctly. If this is the case, you will have to find out the reason why your baby is unable to latch the right way. It can be due to a tongue tie or lip tie.
Here are some other possible reasons to use a nipple shield, as stated by Cleveland Clinic:
- Your baby is premature and isn't strong enough to suck a nipple.
- You have short and inverted nipples.
- Your nipples are sore and cracked due to poor latch.
- You have an overactive letdown.
- You are transitioning from bottle-feeding to breastfeeding.
Have you tried any of these nipple shields Philippines? Comment down below your experience!
