A shield that is useful in connection with an ostomy pouching system when changing a wafer or changing a collection pouch. The shield includes a plate adapted to be disposed over the stoma and at least a portion of the ostomy pouching system, an absorbent material adapted to absorb body waste flowing from the stoma, which absorbent material is disposed adjacent to a portion of the plate, and an adhesive or other mechanism for selectively securing the plate and the absorbent material proximate to the stoma such that the plate is disposed over the stoma when portions of the ostomy pouching system are changed. Also disclosed is the combination of an animal body and the shield, as well as a method of containing the flow of body waste from a stoma.