Nipple shield...

Gabrielle - posted on 07/09/2009

You're welcome. Also, Lansinoh makes a "Latch Assist" that you can buy. Basically, it's a suction device. You put it over you while pressing the bulb, then release, and presto, your baby has something to latch onto. I had a c-section, so mine weren't "operating properly," so to speak. Eventually, they'll do what they need to do, or the baby will get used to making them erect on his own by nursing, and you won't need it. Next baby, I'm going to have that latch assist with me when the baby is born, or else I'll make them wheel a breast pump in for me, but I will not use the stupid shield. It's a pain in the rear.

Meagan - posted on 07/09/2009

Thank you for all your wonderful advice! I will definately try all of these!

Gabrielle - posted on 07/08/2009

Meagan,



You've got two options. 1) Stick with the shield. If it ain't broke, don't fix it, so to speak. Every so often, try to nurse without it. Perhaps one day he will. ??



2) Work hard to break him of it. But you have to be consistent. Fortunately, he's only 3 weeks old, which makes it a bit easier. The same thing happened to me. I worked with a lactation consultant with La Leche League to break my daughter from the shield. Here's the process we went through (but I'd do it only if I had a ton of support). 1. Pump a bit to get your milk to let down and your nipples erect, making them easier to latch on to. 2. Attempt to get the baby to latch. When/if he won't...3. Have someone dribble pumped milk down your nipples with a medicine dropper. This will teach the baby that this is where milk comes from, making him want more, and want to latch. Also, make sure the baby gets enough milk either by nursing, through the dropper, or by spoonfeeding him milk, but he must eat to gain weight adequately. That's why I highly recommend a lactation consultant who can walk you through the process SAFELY, not just through talking on a facebook message board!



I started this process when my daughter was a week old. At two weeks, she could nurse fine. Unfortunately, she did lose a small amount of weight in the process, so you must be very careful. That one week felt like an eternity, but it was worth it. Highly frustrating, however!!

Sarah - posted on 07/08/2009

i had to use one for like a month after i brought my son home. my nipples eventually corrected themselves, before you use the shield always try to get him to latch to your nipple. but dont let him get too fusterated GOOD LUCK

Dana - posted on 07/08/2009

I had to use one too. To get him to stop using it I would start with one on let him get going for a minute and once I felt my let down, I'd pull it off. Sometimes it worked sometimes it didn't but within a week of consistantly trying it, he stopped and never used one again. It will happen.

Rebecca - posted on 07/08/2009

My first son wouldnt latch on either i just countuined to use. I dont no any tricks maybe when your breasts get a bit softer he might get a better grip, dose he has tounge tie? some babies have trouble if they have it. Just keep trying im sure he will get it.