Nipple shield size question

Lauriekeener

Hi Ladies, I am pregnant with my second and know I will need to use a nipple shield. I had an awful time nursing my first since I have flat nipples and he was a little parana. My friend used a shield the whole time and had success, I know there are different sizes. My question is how do I measure my breast to know my size? Is it the ariola (did I spell that right?) or my nipple itself or all of it? Sorry is this is a stupid question.

kmick

I have never seen different sizes if shields. Different companies make different kinds but they are all the same basic size. If I were you I would bring one to the hospital but try first without it.

bumpuser3155624

Medela has different sizes. I have to use one and got mine in the hospital. Its size is based on your nipple size, similar to the flanges on a breast pump. Maybe try meeting with a LC to help get sized.

kkmlafferty

I know the medels ones come in at least 20mm and 24mm sizes. I use the 24mm, given to me by the LC and it fits pretty much perfectly around my nipple without much space around it. I use a 27mm shield for the pump thought so I'm not sure why they are different but both were measured ny the LC

JCWhitey

I think it actually has more to do with the baby , not your breast? I have the small size Madela shield but use the XL flanges to pump. I have E cup breasts. I'd recommend you wait until your baby is here and speak with an LC.

Rachel623

I would ask an LC. I had to use a nipple shield in beginning. The LC gave me a medium medela and told me not to get a small because they are bad for your nipples and would be painful. I accidentally bought a small and used it because I was desperate one day. It hurt and I ended up with another blister.

As a side note, I was discouraged from using a nipple shield longer than a day or two. LC said to only use it when I had a blister or scab. She said they are bad in the long run. It took me about a month to wean LO from it and I saw no problems. Just don't want you to be discouraged if you get the same advice.

Mommy2CB

I was using a small for a while (was given a small in the hospital). I switched to a medium when we went away for the weekend and stupid me forgot the shield and the local store only had mediums.. I actually liked it a lot better!

If I were you I'd try BFing without it at first but don't feel bad if you hve to use one! Whatever you need to BF!

JaneG81

I use the medela size medium. You can buy them at Target and Meijer. I think you just have to try them out. You could always ask your nursing consultant in the hospital what she thinks. Good luck!

lilies&orchids

I agree with PPs to wait until you meet with a LC. but to answer one question, it is definitely based on the size of the nipple, not the areola. They gave me a 20mm Medela in the hospital, which I thought was fine, but it wasn't until I started pumping with a 22.5 flange that I thought I could go up a size. I now use the 22mm Avent shields.

rab2006

I went based on the size flange I use for my pump because I wasn't sure and it's working good for me. I figured that when you pump or feed some of the areola is supposed to go into baby's mouth/pump, and it has done just that with the shield also.