For how many days should a mother avoid using a nipple shield after delivery?

The recommendation for a mother to avoid using a nipple shield after delivery for about one day is based on the principle that early and effective breastfeeding is crucial for establishing a successful breastfeeding relationship. During the first day, it is important for the mother and baby to experience direct skin-to-skin contact and to initiate breastfeeding without barriers. This helps to stimulate the baby's natural instincts, promotes bonding, and encourages proper latching.

By avoiding the use of a nipple shield for this initial time period, mothers can focus on establishing a good breastfeeding technique, which can help prevent later breastfeeding difficulties. If a nipple shield is used too early, it may interfere with the baby's ability to latch correctly or reduce the mother's milk supply by not adequately stimulating milk production. Hence, the recommendation targets creating a strong foundation for breastfeeding in the early days following delivery.