The Revolutionary Neotech Bridge® is NOT a Nipple Shield
Breastfeeding can come with several challenges. Difficulty latching, pain with breastfeeding, or nipple damage are all challenges where a nipple shield may be suggested. However, the use of a nipple shield brings some of its own challenges and while often introduced in the hospital, lactation professionals can have concerns that nipple shields are overused or used implemented without adequate professional support.
What is a nipple shield, and why is it used?
A nipple shield is a silicone cover that fits over the nipple and areola. It’s designed to create a larger or more defined shape for a baby to latch onto, and can serve as a temporary tool to support breastfeeding when challenges arise. Nipple shields are often used in situations where a baby is struggling to latch effectively—such as with flat or inverted nipples, early-term or late-preterm babies with weak oral tone, or when nipples are tender or damaged from shallow latching. Some families also use nipple shields as a short-term solution while addressing issues like engorgement, oversupply, or transitions after bottle-feeding.
What are the concerns about nipple shield use?
While nipple shields can help some dyads continue breastfeeding during difficult periods, they work best when paired with skilled lactation support to ensure proper fit, effective milk transfer, and a plan for eventual weaning from the shield if appropriate. For many parents, a nipple shield is not a long-term solution but an assistive tool that can provide relief, protect the nipples, and create an opportunity for the baby to practice a deeper, more comfortable latch.
When might the Neotech Bridge be considered in place of a nipple shield?
Many parents turn to nipple shields when they’re struggling with latch, nipple pain, or a baby who needs extra support at the breast—but depending on the situation, shields aren’t the only option. The Neotech Bridge, a lactation support tool designed to help babies achieve a deeper, more functional latch while receiving a controlled flow of supplementation to transition an infant back to latching directly at the breast. It’s an easy-to-use breastfeeding assistance system that helps babies latch to the breast and promote milk production. It can be used in any situation in which supplementation is needed as an alternative to a bottle or a supplemental nutrition system (SNS). A nipple shield is often used to pair with a supplemental nursing system (SNS). Comparatively, the Neotech Bridge is an all-in-one solution.
How is the Neotech Bridge different from a traditional nipple shield?
The Bridge is a silicone nipple cover with a built-in channel that attaches to a syringe filled with breastmilk or formula. The syringe allows the parent to control the amount and flow to keep the baby at the breast, feeding continuously.
The Bridge Breastfeeding Assistance Device is designed to:
- Provide a surface for baby to latch to help alleviate breastfeeding pain
- Allow supplementation while breastfeeding which helps to stimulate natural milk production
- Be used to provide colostrum, expressed milk, fortified human milk,or formula when necessary
- Allow precise control of supplement flow, rate, and timing
Click here to see how the unique size and shape of the Bridge compares to traditional nipple shields.
Bridge to Breast: The Story of the Bridge
Kate Spivak, PA, IBCLC invented the Neotech Bridge to address the most common issues.
“I created the Bridge because there was a lack of solutions for the most common issues I was seeing in practice,” Spivak said. “I consistently saw babies who were being supplemented with a bottle due to low supply and issues with latch. Theoretically, the solution was simple: keep the baby at the breast as much as possible. Realistically, there was no efficient way to do that until the Bridge was created. Our breastfeeding assistance device serves as a literal bridge from the bottle to the breast.
“The Bridge takes advantage of the body’s natural response to breastfeeding,” Spivak continued. “More stimulation equals more milk. The more the baby stays on the breast, the more milk is created by the body in response. The Bridge allows you to supplement while breastfeeding at the same time. This encourages the natural hormonal feedback mechanism that encourages milk production.”
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3784292/
Click here to read frequently asked questions.
Breastfeeding challenges such as painful latch can make you feel alone. However, we want you to know that You’re Not Alone. Watch now.