When should a nipple shield ideally not be used for breastfeeding?

Nipple shields are typically used in specific situations to assist breastfeeding, such as when a baby has difficulty latching or when the mother has sore or cracked nipples. However, it is recommended that nipple shields should not be used before 24 hours after birth because during this initial period, the baby is usually learning to breastfeed and establishing a good latch is crucial.

In the early hours after birth, a mother and baby are encouraged to engage in skin-to-skin contact and frequent breastfeeding sessions to promote bonding and establish milk supply. Using a nipple shield too soon may interfere with the development of an effective breastfeeding relationship and the baby's ability to suck effectively at the breast. This can lead to further complications with latching and milk supply in the long term. Therefore, the ideal practice is to avoid introducing a nipple shield until breastfeeding is more established, generally after the first 24 hours, unless there is a specific clinical reason to use one.