There is slightly less milk transfer. You could develop mastitis more easily because your baby isn’t fully emptying your breast each feeding. This could also lead to a low milk supply. Biological learning and control: How the brain builds representations, predicts events, and makes decisions. Mit Press. [ Google Scholar] Interactive processing of sensory input and motor output in the human hippocampus. Journal of Cognitive Neuroscience, 11( 4), 424–436. [ PubMed] [ Google Scholar] Pink Perfect produces a variety of realistic nipples intended for women who have undergone unilateral or bilateral mastectomies. Associations between variations in breast anatomy and early breastfeeding challenges. Journal of Human Lactation, 37( 2), 403–413. 10.1177/0890334420931397

A nipple shield can help babies who might not otherwise be able to nurse — for example, preemies or little ones with tongue ties — learn how to successfully breastfeed. Ideally, a nipple shield is temporary and helps these babies learn how to nurse on their own without having to rely on expressed milk or formula. Before you decide to buy a nipple shield, The Association of Breastfeeding Mothers (ABM) recommends trying the following:

Central nervous system integration of sensorimotor signals in oral and pharyngeal structures: Oropharyngeal kinematics response to recurrent laryngeal nerve lesion. Journal of Applied Physiology, 120( 5), 495–502. 10.1152/japplphysiol.00946.2015 Imaging evaluation of breast‐feeding and bottle‐feeding systems. The Journal of Pediatrics, 126( 6), S130–S134. 10.1016/S0022-3476(95)90253-8

Volume and rate of milk delivery as determinants of swallowing in an infant model animal ( Sus scrofia). Dysphagia, 19( 3), 147–154. 10.1007/s00455-004-0001-xUltimately, however, you have to weigh the pros and cons and determine what is best for your situation and feeding goals.