Nipple Covers for Breastfeeding: A Complete Guide 2023

Let me tell you about my journey with nipple covers and shields - because honestly, this is the conversation I wish someone had with me before I ended up sobbing at 3 AM with cracked, bleeding nipples while my newborn screamed in hunger. Not exactly the serene motherhood moment I'd imagined!

I remember sitting in my glider, desperately googling "how to make breastfeeding hurt less" while trying not to move a single muscle because my poor nipples felt like they were on fire. My lactation consultant had mentioned nipple shields, but I was hesitant. Weren't they just another gimmick? Another thing to buy that would end up in the drawer of abandoned baby products?

The Real Deal About Nipple Covers for Breastfeeding

After three weeks of what felt like nursing through broken glass, I finally caved and tried silver nursing cups. I'd love to say it was an instant miracle, but like most things in motherhood, it was more of a "why didn't I try this sooner?" moment. The relief wasn't immediate, but for the first time since my baby was born, I could see light at the end of the tunnel.

What Nobody Tells You About Nursing Struggles

Here's the thing - we spend nine months preparing for birth, but nobody really prepares you for the battlefield that breastfeeding can become. My first week, I dealt with inverted nipples (fun surprise!), then came the cracking, and don't even get me started on the conflicting advice from well-meaning relatives about nipple shields.

Understanding Different Types of Nipple Covers

Through trial and error (mostly error), I've learned there are basically three main types of nipple covers you might encounter in your breastfeeding journey:

Traditional Nipple Shields

These are typically made of thin silicone and look like little sombreros for your nipples. I started with a Medela nipple shield, which was... interesting. It helped with the latch issues we were having, but it was like trying to drink through a straw with another straw inside it - not exactly efficient.

Silver Nursing Cups

These were my game-changers. Unlike regular nipple shields, silver nursing cups aren't just for feeding - they're for healing. I discovered Go Mommy's Silver Nursing Cups after a particularly rough night, and let me tell you, the difference was noticeable. The antimicrobial properties of silver actually helped heal my poor, battered nipples between feeds.

Nipple Suction Devices

These are specifically designed for inverted nipples, which, surprise! Can actually show up after you give birth even if you've never had them before. (Thanks, hormones!) They work by creating gentle suction to draw out the nipple.

When You Might Need Nipple Covers

I'm going to be real with you - not everyone needs nipple covers or shields. But there are some situations where they're absolute lifesavers:

• If you're dealing with flat or inverted nipples (raises hand)
• When your nipples are so sore you're considering giving up breastfeeding altogether
• If your baby has trouble latching (especially common with preemies)
• When you're transitioning between breast and bottle

The Truth About Using Nipple Shields

Let's address the elephant in the room - why are nipple shields discouraged by some professionals? I had a lactation consultant practically gasp when I mentioned using one. Here's what I've learned: it's not that nipple shields are bad, it's that they're often used without proper guidance or support.

The Advantages Nobody Talks About

While some focus on the disadvantages of nipple covers, I found some surprising benefits:

• They can help you continue breastfeeding when you might otherwise give up
• They give your nipples a chance to heal while maintaining milk supply
• They can help babies with latch issues learn proper feeding techniques
• Silver nursing cups specifically can reduce infection risk and speed healing

Real Talk About the Drawbacks

Because I promised honesty, here are the less-than-awesome aspects:

• They can be a pain to position correctly (especially at 3 AM)
• Some babies might get too comfortable with them
• They're one more thing to clean and keep track of
• Without proper sizing, they can actually make things worse

Finding What Works for You

After trying practically everything on the market, I've learned that what works for one mom might not work for another. That said, investing in quality products makes a huge difference. I ended up with a carrying case full of various solutions, but the silver nursing cups from Go Mommy were my constant companions.

My Personal Game-Changers

The combination that finally worked for me was using silver nursing cups between feeds for healing and a properly fitted nipple shield during feeds when things got really rough. Having both options available meant I could adjust based on how my body was feeling that day.

Listen, breastfeeding is hard enough without feeling guilty about using tools that help. Whether you're exclusively using nipple shields, trying silver nursing cups, or mixing and matching solutions, you're doing great. The goal isn't to win some imaginary "toughest mom" award - it's to feed your baby while keeping your sanity (and nipples) intact.

In the next section, I'll walk you through exactly how to use different types of nipple covers effectively - including all the tricks I wish I'd known from the start. But for now, remember this: whatever challenges you're facing, you're not alone, and there's no shame in using tools that help make this journey a little easier.

The Nitty-Gritty: How to Actually Use These Things

Okay, let's talk about how to use these lifesavers properly because - fun fact - I spent an embarrassingly long time trying to figure out why my first nipple shield kept falling off. Turns out, I was using it completely wrong. Classic sleep-deprived mom moment!

Silver Nursing Cups: Your New Best Friends

I discovered Go Mommy's Silver Nursing Cups during what I now call "The Great Nipple Crisis of 2023." After trying literally everything else, these became my ride-or-die solution. Here's my actual routine:

• After feeding, I gently pat my nipples dry (no rubbing - learned that the hard way)
• Pop the silver cups in place - they're surprisingly comfortable
• Leave them on between feeds, letting the silver work its magic
• Remove just before the next feeding

The best part? Unlike regular nipple shields, these actually promote healing. I noticed a difference within 24 hours, and within three days, I wasn't dreading every feeding session anymore.

Traditional Nipple Shield Tips

If you're using a regular nipple shield (like I did with my inverted nipples situation), here's what I learned through trial and error:

• Wet the edges slightly before applying - it helps it stick better
• Position your nipple in the shield before offering it to baby
• Check for proper suction - if you hear clicking, something's not right
• Don't force it if baby's refusing - sometimes they're smarter than we think

When Things Get Complicated

Remember that time I tried to use a nipple shield while half-asleep and somehow ended up with it stuck to my forehead? Yeah, that happened. But seriously, there are some challenges you might face:

Common Issues and Real Solutions

Let's talk about what actually works when things get tricky:

• Shield keeps falling off? Try the "flip-back" method: turn it halfway inside out, center it on your nipple, then flip it back
• Baby refusing the shield? Sometimes warming it slightly helps
• Milk transfer concerns? Look for swallowing cues and listen for gulping
• Not sure about sizing? Your nipple shouldn't rub against the tunnel - if it does, size up

The Transition Game

Eventually, I wanted to wean off the shields (except my silver nursing cups - those stayed in my arsenal). Here's what actually worked:

• Start with one feeding per day without the shield
• Choose a time when baby is calm but hungry
• Keep the shield nearby - no shame in switching back if needed
• Be patient - it might take days or weeks

What About Storage and Care?

Can we talk about how I once found a nipple shield in my coffee cup? Sleep deprivation is real, folks. Here's my current system:

• Clean silver nursing cups daily with mild soap and water
• Store them in their carrying case (learned this after the coffee cup incident)
• Keep multiple shields if you're using them - nothing worse than searching for a clean one at 3 AM
• Replace them when they start showing wear - usually every few months

The Real MVP: Support Systems

You know what made the biggest difference in my journey? Having support. My lactation consultant showed me how to use nipple suction devices properly, and my mom friends shared their own struggles and solutions. It helped knowing I wasn't alone in this.

Building Your Breastfeeding Tool Kit

Here's what I ended up keeping in my nursing station:

• Go Mommy Silver Nursing Cups (absolute must-have for healing)
• A spare nipple shield (because they love to play hide-and-seek)
• Clean storage case (prevents that "where did I put it?" panic)
• Gentle cleanser for the silver cups

Making Peace with Your Choices

Look, whether you're using silver nursing cups for healing, a nipple shield for latch issues, or both - you're doing great. I spent way too long feeling guilty about needing help, but you know what? Fed is best, and protected nipples are happy nipples.

Remember when I mentioned my 3 AM breakdown? Well, now I keep a Go Mommy Silver Nursing Cup in my hospital bag gift set for all my pregnant friends. Because sometimes the best support we can offer is sharing what actually worked for us - no judgment, just real solutions for real moms.

Stay tuned for more real talk about managing common breastfeeding challenges - including that fun moment when your baby decides to treat your nipple like a chew toy. We'll get through this together!

Real Talk: The Truth About Breastfeeding Challenges

I remember sitting in my glider at 2 AM, tears streaming down my face, wondering if I was the only mom struggling this much with breastfeeding. Spoiler alert: I wasn't. And if you're reading this, wondering if it gets better - it does. Sometimes you just need the right tools and support.

When Everything Hurts: Finding Real Solutions

Let's talk about cracked nipples - because nobody warned me they could actually bleed. After trying every cream and gel pad on the market, I finally discovered silver nursing cups, and honestly? Game-changer. The Go Mommy ones became my constant companions, and I mean constant. I even slept in them (which, by the way, is totally fine).

The Great Nipple Shield Debate

I've heard all the arguments about why nipple shields are discouraged - "they'll reduce your milk supply," "your baby will never learn to latch properly," blah blah blah. But here's what I've learned: sometimes you need a bridge to get you through the tough spots. My lactation consultant actually supported using them as a temporary solution, especially for those dealing with inverted nipples (raising my hand here!).

Getting Technical: What Actually Works

After three months of trial and error, here's what I discovered really helps with common breastfeeding issues:

For Sore, Damaged Nipples:

• Silver nursing cups between feeds - the Go Mommy ones are particularly comfortable
• Air-drying after feeding (yes, I walked around topless a lot)
• Proper positioning (which took me embarrassingly long to figure out)

For Latch Issues:

• Using a nipple shield correctly (more on that below)
• Nipple suction devices for flat or inverted nipples
• Working with a lactation consultant who actually listens

The Silver Lining (Literally)

Can we talk about how silver is actually antimicrobial? I didn't believe it at first, but after using silver nipple cups consistently, I noticed a huge difference. The Go Mommy Silver Nursing Cups became my secret weapon. They're different from regular nipple shields because they're not just for feeding - they're for healing between feeds.

My Daily Routine That Actually Worked

Here's what finally helped me turn the corner:

• Morning: Clean silver cups with gentle soap, air dry
• Throughout the day: Use silver cups between every feeding
• Evening: Another gentle cleaning, back in the carrying case
• Overnight: Yes, I wore them while sleeping too!

The Things Nobody Tells You

Let's get real about some disadvantages of nipple covers that nobody mentions. Sometimes they make weird squeaking noises (try explaining that during a quiet feeding session in public). And yes, you might occasionally find one stuck to your shirt in the most embarrassing moments.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Through my own trial and error (emphasis on the error), I've figured out solutions to common problems:

• Lost suction? Try moistening the edges slightly
• Baby refusing the shield? Check the size - it might be too big
• Milk transfer concerns? Look for swallowing and listen for gulping sounds
• Shield falling off? The flip-back technique changed my life

Building Your Support System

You know what made the biggest difference? Finding my tribe. Between my amazing lactation consultant (shoutout to Sarah!), my online mom groups, and discovering products that actually work (looking at you, Go Mommy), I finally felt supported.

Resources That Actually Help

Here's what I recommend keeping in your breastfeeding toolkit:

• A good set of silver nursing cups (Go Mommy's are worth every penny)
• Properly sized nipple shields if you need them
• A sturdy carrying case (because losing these at 3 AM is no fun)
• Contact info for a lactation consultant you trust

Moving Forward

Remember, using nipple covers for breastfeeding isn't a sign of failure - it's a sign you're problem-solving. Whether you're dealing with inverted nipples, trying to heal cracked ones, or just need a little help getting started, there's no shame in using tools that help.

And hey, if you're wondering whether silver nipple shields or cups are worth the investment, from one mom who's been there to another - yes, they absolutely are. Just make sure you're getting quality ones (I learned this the hard way with a sketchy online purchase before finding Go Mommy).

Next up, we'll dive into even more specifics about making this whole breastfeeding journey easier. Because let's be honest - we could all use a little more support and a lot less judgment, right?

Making Peace with Your Breastfeeding Journey

It's been quite a ride sharing my breastfeeding journey with you. After three kids and countless middle-of-the-night feeding sessions, I've learned that there's no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to breastfeeding. Some days you're rocking it with your Medela nipple shield, and other days you're googling "why does breastfeeding hurt so much?" at 3 AM.

The Reality of Using Nipple Shields

Let's address the elephant in the room - why are nipple shields discouraged by some professionals? I get it. There's this fear about dependency and milk transfer. But here's what I've learned: sometimes the "ideal" way isn't the best way for YOU. When I was struggling with inverted nipples and feeling like a failure, my silver nursing cups and nipple shields weren't just helpful tools - they were my lifeline to continuing my breastfeeding journey.

Finding What Works For You

After trying literally everything under the sun (including some questionable advice from well-meaning relatives), I discovered that success often comes from combining different approaches. The Go Mommy Silver Nursing Cups became my daily essential - not just for healing but for prevention too. And you know what? That's okay. We're not winning awards for making things harder than they need to be.

The Silver Lining to Breastfeeding Struggles

Remember when I mentioned my silverette nursing cups earlier? Well, let me tell you how they became my constant companions. Between feeds, these little silver cups were like a spa day for my poor, tired nipples. The antimicrobial properties of silver actually help prevent issues before they start - something I wish I'd known with my first baby.

Real Solutions for Real Moms

Through all my trials and tribulations, here's what I've found actually helps:

• Having multiple solutions ready (silver nipple cups for healing, nipple shields for feeding if needed)
• Keeping a good carrying case in every bag (because Murphy's Law says you'll need it when you least expect it)
• Understanding how to use nipple shields correctly (positioning is everything!)
• Being gentle with yourself when things don't go as planned

Beyond the Basics: What Really Matters

The disadvantage of nipple covers isn't really about the covers themselves - it's about the pressure we put on ourselves to not need them. I spent weeks feeling guilty about using a nipple shield before realizing that my baby was happy, growing, and most importantly, I wasn't in pain anymore.

Looking Forward: Your Breastfeeding Journey

If you're wondering "Is it good to use nipple covers?" the answer isn't simple. It depends on your situation, your baby, and your goals. What matters is finding what works for you. For me, that meant embracing silver nursing cups between feeds (the Go Mommy ones have been absolute lifesavers) and occasionally using a nipple shield when needed.

Final Thoughts from Someone Who's Been There

Here's what I wish someone had told me sooner: It's okay to need help. It's okay to use tools that make breastfeeding easier. Whether that's silver nipple cups, a nipple shield for breastfeeding, or both - you're not cheating, you're problem-solving.

Your Toolkit for Success

Before we wrap up, here's my tried-and-true list of essentials:

• Quality silver nursing cups (I swear by the Go Mommy ones)
• A proper fitting nipple shield (if needed)
• A reliable carrying case for your supplies
• Contact info for a supportive lactation consultant
• A reminder that you're doing great, mama

Moving Forward with Confidence

Whether you're dealing with flat nipples, struggling with latching, or just need some extra support, remember that using tools like nipple shields and silver cups doesn't make you any less of a breastfeeding champion. These aren't crutches - they're stepping stones to a successful breastfeeding journey.

And if you're wondering about silver nursing cups, yes, they're worth the investment. After trying various brands, I found the Go Mommy ones to be particularly effective - they're comfortable, durable, and come with a convenient carrying case. Plus, knowing they're actually helping prevent issues while healing existing ones? That's priceless peace of mind.

Remember, mama, you're not alone in this journey. Whether you're exclusively using silver cups, occasionally reaching for that nipple shield, or mixing and matching solutions - you're doing an amazing job. Keep going, trust your instincts, and don't be afraid to use whatever tools help you and your baby thrive.

Because at the end of the day, a happy, fed baby and a comfortable mama are what matter most. Everything else is just details.

Discover how Silver Nursing Cups can soothe and protect – your breastfeeding journey made easier.

References

• [1] https://myhealth.alberta.ca/Alberta/Pages/Breastfeeding-your-baby-using-a-nipple-shield.aspx
• [2] https://www.medela.com/en-us/breastfeeding-pumping/articles/breastfeeding-challenges/nipple-shields-for-nursing-when-and-why-to-use-them
• [3] https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/22130-nipple-shield
• [4] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4607874/
• [5] https://www.vice.com/en/article/best-nipple-covers/
• [6] https://abm.me.uk/breastfeeding-information/using-a-nipple-shield-with-a-breastfed-baby/
• [7] https://www.mumsnet.com/swearsby/best-nipple-shields
• [8] https://silveretteusa.com
• [9] https://www.businessinsider.com/guides/style/best-nipple-covers?international=true&r=US&IR=T
• [10] https://www.instyle.com/best-nipple-covers-7565192