The Midnight Scroll: Flow Nipple Shield

This week on The Midnight Scroll, I’m talking about a product I keep seeing everywhere online:The Flow Nipple Shield+ by Munchkin.This product is being marketed as the first-ever nipple shield with a built-in milk flow channel so you can see your breast milk as it moves through the shield while you breastfeed.Sounds kind of innovative, right?It’s being promoted as a confidence-boosting tool, something to reassure you that your milk is flowing, your baby is feeding and to even help you tell when they’re “just ‘comfort nursing’.”But the more I’ve seen it, the more I’ve started wondering…Is this another gadget that’s going to make anxious mothers feel like they’re doing it wrong?In this episode, I’m diving into:* What this device claims to do* The messaging in the marketing that gave me pause (especially around “knowing when to stop feeding”)* Why this might add more stress than it solves for some mothers* My own (not-great) experience with nipple shields in the early weeks* And what I wish people knew before using any kind of breastfeeding deviceWhile preparing for this episode I had a look at the product’s official website, I wanted to see if it was mentioned that this product should be used with support and I couldn’t find anything on the product description page that clearly encourages parents to get support from a lactation professional. That’s a big concern for me, because nipple shields aren’t a one-size-fits-all solution.(There is mention of how this product is endorsed by some lactation professionals and resources for them regarding the product but again nothing noting that this is a product that needs support.)Yes, I love the idea of supporting breastfeeding confidence. Yes, I’m all for innovation.But tools like this need context, nuance, and actual support especially from someone like an IBCLC.A cool gadget will never replace a plan, a conversation, or a real look at what’s going on.If you’ve used this nipple shield or have thoughts, I’d love to hear from you in the comments.And if you’re feeling overwhelmed by the pressure to measure, track, and optimise every feed, you’re not alone. Come listen.Listen to Episode 2 of The Midnight Scroll on Substack, Spotify and Apple Podcasts.With love + support,JessFeeding to SleepNote: This podcast is not medical advice.Quotes sourced from https://www.munchkin.com/flow-starter-kit This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit feedingtosleep.substack.com