Helle Hello... Help with Nippleshield

Stephanie - posted on 01/13/2009

Yes, I had to use a nippleshield with my baby boy until he was 4 months old - he is now only 5 months and successfully nurses without it. For a month I offered him my breast without the shield first, then if he was frustrated, I would put it on for him. But you have to offer your breast without it for them to know that it is OK and they CAN DO IT. Now every feeding he latched on perfectly every time without it. I hope this is encouraging to you. It is hard, but hang in there - breastmilk is the best for your baby!

Tayo - posted on 01/13/2009

I have no personal expereince with nipple shields but I hear if you try playing with your nipple to get it errect before the baby latches on, it helps. At this age though I think he should be fine getting on there.

Odette - posted on 01/13/2009

Your best bet is to just take it away. His instinct will not let himself go too long without his milk.

Sandy - posted on 01/12/2009

I used a nipple shield with my preemie until he started taking it off himself at about 3 weeks old. I found that when he did get bottles, he preferred the clear silicone nipples to the yellow latex ones. How have you been doing??

Rachael - posted on 01/12/2009

How has it been going without the breast sheild? Have you had any success or are you still struggling with it? I hope that you were able to start nursing without it for your sake.

Eva - posted on 01/08/2009

Thank you all so much for your advice.  I'm definately going to try some of your suggestions.  I'll keep you posted...

Brie - posted on 01/08/2009

My daughter (who is now 5 months old) used a nipple shield from 5 days old, until just a month ago. She had some issues with her mouth (a notch in her upper gums, and a high palate) and I seriously thought she was NEVER going to be able to nurse without the shield. I tried and tried, and she would cry if I didn't have the shield on- and she would not latch on for anything. I began taking the shield off halfway through nursing, and at first she wasn't happy- but eventually, she was ok. Then, I ended up losing the shield, and I just decided to try nursing her without it when she was sleepy- and she latched on! I was amazed. I am really not sure what did it- I think for my daughter it was a combo of her outgrowing her "mouth issues", and repeatedly trying her without the shield. Good luck!

Brie - posted on 01/08/2009

My daughter (who is now 5 months old) used a nipple shield from 5 days old, until just a month ago. She had some issues with her mouth (a notch in her upper gums, and a high palate) and I seriously thought she was NEVER going to be able to nurse without the shield. I tried and tried, and she would cry if I didn't have the shield on- and she would not latch on for anything. I began taking the shield off halfway through nursing, and at first she wasn't happy- but eventually, she was ok. Then, I ended up losing the shield, and I just decided to try nursing her without it when she was sleepy- and she latched on! I was amazed. I am really not sure what did it- I think for my daughter it was a combo of her outgrowing her "mouth issues", and repeatedly trying her without the shield. Good luck!

Colleen - posted on 01/08/2009

I used one with my daughter for maybe 3 months or so. It took a while to completely wean her from the shield, but it did happen. Do as others suggest and try to slip it off during a feeding. Don't give up, continue trying every once in a while, I'll bet he'll eventually 'get it' when he's ready.

Bethany - posted on 01/07/2009

I used one with my daughter until she was 6 weeks old. Then I was so tired of it I threw it out and we are still breastfeeding at 7 months so it can be done!! Try to do it without the shield when he's sleepy, for some reason they open wider, instinct takes over. Also, nurse in a warm tub. Get him all comfortable and wet, make him feel really secure, then slowly offer him the breast. I swear, I did these two things and it only took 48 hours before she took just me with no problems. His age is going to be a problem, I think it's going to take awhile, but I really believe with patience you can totally do this. Good luck!!

Colleen - posted on 01/07/2009

Hi Eva,

My daughter would not latch at all and we had to use a nipple shield to. She started in the hospital at 4 days old and not matter what I tried she wouldn't let it go. I always tried slipping it off half way through or when she was really hungry and I was really full I wouldn't put it on and she just would not eat, she would scream until I put it back on. Around 6 months she started playing with it when she was eating and one day she just took it off and started feeding. She is almost 11 months now and I am still nursing without the sheild. Is he interested in playing with it at all? If he starts pulling it off of you, maybe trying letting him and see where he goes with it. Maybe you'll be lucky one day he will just latch without it as well :o) Good luck as I know the pain in the butt factor with using those things :o)

Rachael - posted on 01/07/2009

I had to use a nipple shield but only for about a month when our son was born. I was able to transition him to just the breast but since your little guy has been using it longer it may be more of a challenge for you, but not impossible.

The only sugestions I can offer are have you tried starting him off breastfeeding with the shield on and once your milk has let down switching him to just your breast?

We saw a lactation consultant and she suggested to us putting sugar water on my nipple to incourage our son to latch on to where the sugar water was (the nipple). It worked for us. Once they realize they can get milk out of it they seem to take it more readily. I hope you get some good advice from other moms and find something that works for you! Good luck