Using a nipple shield

Teena - posted on 07/29/2009

My daughter is 3 months old & I've had to use a shield since she was born beacuse I have inverted nipples (they only stick out about a half inch when erect). My doctor & all the nurses at the hospital said it would be fine to use it as long as I breastfeed. It's kinda nice because, with it, I haven't needed to apply lanolin after each feeding.

Alivia - posted on 07/29/2009

Like many of the other moms my daughter and I had a rough start with breastfeeding, she just couldn't latch on correctly and I was constantly in pain. I was told (by a lactation consultant) to use them only as a last resort and it would have bad ramifications for long term breast feeding. This however was not the case. I did find that while using them I fought to keep my supply up. When my daughter was about 8 weeks I decided to see if we could get along without them, it took 2 weeks to wean her off the nipple shields. Each time i nursed I offered her a breast without the shield if she took it great if she didn't I'd give her the shield, but when I switched breast I would attempt to latch her on without the shield and was pretty successful with this right away. Each time I nursed I followed this same routine and found after a week she really didn't like the nipple shield very well, many times she would need it just to get started and then pull away after a minute and I would take it off and she would nurse without problems. At the end of the 2 weeks she had learned how to latch on and preferred not using the shield. I also found that my milk supply increased from her directly on the breast. I have heard stories of women weaning off the shields at a variety of ages! I find it so much easier to nurse without them. Good Luck and remember do what works for the two of you!

Sara - posted on 07/28/2009

Ok,my son and I got off to a terrible start with BF also. I had to take him to the hospital when he was a week old because he wasn't eating and got very lethargic. While I was there the lactation specialist came in we started using the nipple sheild. I also read some very conflicting opinions on this. I was told to let him use it until he started to put on some weight. About a week and a half I think. I started freaking out because I was being told to get off ASAP but he was still having some trouble. My LC said not to worry. I would try to latch on without it and before he got too mad I would ginve the sheild. Eventually he started taking one side without. About 2 weeks later he would take both sides. As long as your supply is staying up and your baby is gaining weight, don't worry!

I used this for about 6 weeks. He is 6 months old and we are still BF. I couldn't have done it without the sheild and I will use it again if I have to with my next baby.

Chelsie - posted on 07/27/2009

I have a two almost 3 month old son and I've used a nipple shield since he was born. People have told me the same things I have gotten diffrent opinions as well, but think that if it works for you and gets your daughter fed keep using it.

Tara Marie - posted on 07/27/2009

I used the nipple shield with my son for about 6 weeks. He had a very hard time latching and the nipple shield was the only thing that worked. At first I was very determined to get him to latch to my breast. After weeks of trying and feeling inadequate and frusterated, I basically gave up and accepted the fact this is how my son nurses and told myself it WAS ok. By the way, when I was trying... I would start with the nipple shield for a couple of minutes, then remove the shield and try to have my son latch. After a few weeks of not even attempting for him to latch to me, one day around the 6 week mark I gave it a whirl. Low and behold, he latched!!! I don't know why he did, but he did. I can say I pinched my nipple completely flat and inserted in his mouth. I think that helped too. About a week from that point, we ditched the shield and now he eats off of me and bottles (of my milk). I think he actually likes his bottles too much now! But thats a whole new issue in its own.
I guess my advice would be... there is nothing wrong with the nipple shield. Use it as long as you need to. Your baby is still eating off of you and gaining all the benefits from breast milk. When your baby is ready, he will latch. You'll see :)

Fallon - posted on 07/26/2009

Thanks everyone for sharing your stories and the support. It is good to hear from other mothers using one!!!! Hearing the positive feedback has made me feel more relaxed about it!!!

Amber - posted on 07/26/2009

Dont feel bad about using one for as long as you need it!!!!!! It was the only way i could get my daughter to eat for 4 months. one day she was crying really hard when i was trying to get her to eat and it kind just fell down but at the same time she stuck her head to my breast and just stared eating. we havent used one since but i would still use it if i needed to and shes 5 months now. before this i tired to get her to wean off of it but she wasnt interested so i didnt press it and she eventully self weaned. i say if it works for you then keep at it!

Erica - posted on 07/26/2009

I can honestly say, my daughter would not be a breastfed baby right now if it wasn't for a nipple shield. I used it until she was 4 months when she reached up one day and pulled it off. She never used it again after that. If she hadn't done that however, I would have used it for as long as she needed it. Do what feels right to you!

Erica - posted on 07/26/2009

I can honestly say, my daughter would not be a breastfed baby right now if it wasn't for a nipple shield. I used it until she was 4 months when she reached up one day and pulled it off. She never used it again after that. If she hadn't done that however, I would have used it for as long as she needed it. Do what feels right to you!

Allison - posted on 07/26/2009

HI, The nipple shield was a god send to me as well. If I didn't have it though i never would have been able to nurse. My son is seven months old now and i still use it and im not planning on stopping until he is done breast feeding. I don't think there is anything wrong with it and if it makes it easier for you and the baby than go for it. Goodluck.

Cindy - posted on 07/25/2009

I say go with what feels right and what is working for you. I used nipple sheilds for the first time a couple of weeks ago (& this is my 5th breastfed child). The night after he was born (4 weeks ago) he sucked all night & left my nipples raw. A week later they were cracked, had pus filled blisters & were bleeding. 2 weeks later it was still agonising to feed. Then I saw a segment on nipple shields on TV & got some - HEAVEN! The only problem I had with them is that bub didn't drain my breast as well when we used them - his suck just wasn't as strong through the shield - so I had to start removing them at the end of a feed to make sure he drained the breast. i've stopped using them in the last few days because it's obvious he prefers to feed without them & latches on easier but I wouldn't hesitate to use them again. I think if more women knew about them there would be higher breastfeeding rates.

Martha - posted on 07/25/2009

I used one briefly right after my daughter was born because I my nipples were so cracked and bleeding at first. I only used it long enough for my nipples to heal - like 2 days. The main reason I was in a hurry to get rid of it was because it was a pain to use and keep clean - one more thing on my long list of things to do with a newborn and a toddler in the house. I think the main reason people encourage weaning from it quickly is because the baby will begin to prefer it and it can become difficult to get her to nurse without it. If you don't mind using it and plan to use it long term, I don't see a problem continuing. However, if you would like the convenience of nursing without it, you should probably try to see if she will nurse without it sooner rather than later.

Cassie - posted on 07/25/2009

My daughter is nine months old, still breastfeeding 6-7 times per day and on demand at night and we still use the shield! It is the only way she will nurse. She is a wonderfully happy and healthy baby. Do what will allow you to continue nursing! Good luck :)

Rebecca - posted on 07/25/2009

i had the same problem as you i only used it on one side. it never cuased any trouble like you i found it a god send . i used it right until i stopped feeding!!!