Nipple shield

jrosa1

My daughter is 4 weeks old and I've been using a nipple shield since she was born in the hospital. I've tried to get away from using it, but she gets very frustrated so I end up letting her use it. I don't mind using it, but should I try to move away from it? Will it affect my supply or how much milk she is getting?

Also, a totally unrelated question. My mom has offered to stay at my house for the night and feed my daughter through the night with pumped BM. This way I can get a full night's sleep. Do I need to wake up to pump or would I be okay for one night?

cinderin

I would try to ditch the shield as soon as you can.

If your mom wants to help, when the baby wakes, mom can do what is needed (change baby) then bring baby to you to nurse and then wen you are done, mom can swaddle and rock (or whatever is needed) and you can go back to bed. That way you are only awake for feeding. I have found that is helpful (dh used to do it for me).

I agree with the PP, help with cleaning, laundry and cooking during the day while you are nursing or taking the baby between nursing sessions so you can sleep is helpful.

ave1012

 I nursed my first daughter for 3 months with a shield. One day she just latched on and then never needed it again. I nursed her for 13 months. The shield never had any impact on my supply. If your daughter is doing great with it at the moment (wet diapers, gaining weight, etc) I would keep with the shield but try to get her to latch periodically without it. You could also see a lactation consultant to help with the latching and get off the shield.

SV917

My son is 4 1/2 months and just this weekend he decided he doesn't want it anymore. I tried lots of things I read online for weaning, but nothing worked until he was ready. I pump for my daughter, so my supply hasn't really been a problem. The big negative for me was how long nursing sessions were with the shield. I'm excited for that extra time. With my son nursing for 45-60 minutes or more and then pumping for 20-30 minutes for my daughter, I didn't have much time until the cycle started all over again.

vvvvvfee

what worked for me for weaning off the nipple shield was to start the nursing session with it on. then once DS had gotten a good amount of milk and wasn't starving, i would pull it off and re-latch him. at first he would only nurse for a little while, but i was able to gradually increase time without the shield until he wasn't using it anymore. the key was to make sure he had some milk in him first, otherwise he would get frantic and frustrated. keep trying, though, it makes life so much easier when you don't have to use it anymore! i agree with PPs that you could not go a full night without getting up to pump at this stage.