nipple shields?

brynners

I promise all of my posts won't be boob/baby related!

Has anyone used nipple shields successfully?  I've been working on latching correctly with Isla, but I have pretty flat nipples.  During the day we are fine, but at bedtime, she gets very aggressive and doesn't latch well or latches on and off.  I thought about using a nipple shield at night to keep my nipples from getting sore, but have heard that they can make your supply drop.  Would this be an issue if I was only using them at night and not during the day?  

I teel ya, the sh*t we go through for our kids! 

cats3_98

I used them and had no problems. My one nipple was engorged and it really never would 'come out' so I used that and it helped alot! Also while going through that I nursed a lot on the other side and that nipple got very sore. I used the shield to kinda 'air' it out so nothing was touching it.

cracky!

I used them with Jack for the first few weeks due to not being able to get him latched properly and they worked fine. 

I'd say it would not be an issue if you're only using them at night.  I know kellymom.com's pretty hardcore, but might wanna check there for more info on the whole, supposed supply drop.

cubluebride

Disclaimer: Lots of personal boob talk.

My left nip was slightly inverted, so the LC got me a nipple shield in the hospital.  She told me that I needed to use it on lefty, but every time I did, I had to pump afterwards to help my supply, otherwise my supply would tank.  So I followed her advice.  It took about 3 weeks, if I remember right, before I stopped using it b/c my nip, um, got better I guess?  However, lefty never did put out as much as righty.  Ever.  And lefty was the one that got a clogged duct, it turned to mastitis and then I had to have surgery.  My supply never totally tanked, and I've always heard people have one that is a better producer than the other.  So, I'm not really sure it mattered.

smiles4ya

used them w/  dd 1 and had no problems... 

kim_and_tony

I used on with both kids for a while and had no problems.  I just hated the thing because it was so messy.  I had lower supply in the boob, but I think that is common.  To me it was better to use the shield and risk a lower supply that not BF at all.

tonynbecky

I have no problems with lower supply and I have had to use shields for both kids.  I think a lot of it has to do with the fit.  I will recommend going to babies r us and using a size that actually is true to fit.  You can get medela or there is a brand that comes 2 to a case and are cheaper.  They are my favorite.