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*Jennrs* (and other BF Mommas)
Not sure what you can tell me about this, but I thought I'd ask anyways, because I sort of feel like you are a 'go to' person on this board for breastfeeding.
What do you know/think about nipple shields?
I've been using one since Day 2 with LO. I have very flat nipples that become inverted when nursing. It really wasn't working and was painful, so the lactation consultant at the hospital got the shield and things have worked wonderfully. I've tried a few times without it and haven't been successful.
I happened to get onto the Kelly Mom website and saw that there is lots of information on the bad aspects of using nipple shields. It seems like the main (and MAJOR) problem is that Mom's supply seems to drop (maybe even stop?).
My goal is to BF a minimum of 1 year, and if using a nipple shield is going to mess with my supply, I need to get off it asap. My supply is fine right now, LO has lots of wet/dirty diapers, gaining weight, etc.
Do you think I need to get off using the nipple shield? If so, asap or wait? I pump 1x a day, so I hope that will help with my supply staying at least where it is.
TIA for any support you have to offer.
Re: *Jennrs* (and other BF Mommas)
I used one with Evie for a good 6 weeks. No reason for it just she didn't know how to latch.
For getting her off of it, I would use it and then take it off after a minute of BFing. Sometimes she would latch, other times not.
How are your nipples when you pump? After being on the pump for a minute?
Pumping once a day will help with supply. I didn't have any supply issues using one for 6 weeks - and am still BFing!
I say keep trying to use shield for a minute or two, then try to relatch with no sheild. If it doesn't work, use shield again. I would't try too many times a day so both of you don't get frustrated. But just keep trying. I remember with Evie sometimes she would latch when I removed the shield and sometimes she didn't.
Is your LC available to make an appointment about her latch without shield? Have you done a weighted feeding with the shield?
(oh I had 2 shields and loved not having to constantly wash them. my fav was the one that had the cutout for the baby's nose).
ETA: Do you have a La Leche League around you? Go to a meeting, they can give you ideas
My Blog Picture A Day Blog
The best advice I can give you is to go to a Lactation Consultant and visit with your local LLLs!
Personally, I would wean off the shield because, yes, it can cause supply issues and it can be a PITA. Dr. Jack Newman has a lot of great information on nipple shields, too. http://www.nbci.ca/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=74:nipple-shields&catid=5:information&Itemid=17
Morrigan offered great advice.
Good luck and keep us informed. :-)
Neena Mae. 1/7/10
"A baby nursing at a mother's breast is an undeniable affirmation of our rootedness in nature." - David Suzuki