Nipple Shield Rant

kby721

How many of you are still using the nipple shield and where do you store the darn thing for easy access? We will be using it for the long haul as DD can't seem to latch without it thanks to my flat nipples. I think I would enjoy BF so much more if I didn't need to go search for my shield every time she was hungry. And who decided to make the stupid thing clear?! It's impossible to find if I drop it on the floor or if it falls off at night. But don't worry if I can't find it the dog will! I'm inventing one that glows in the dark or comes in a bright color.

jc0n15

oh I hated that F-ing thing. Mine was always dirty no matter where I put it. I wouldn't give up trying to get rid of it. it took me about 2 months but we were able to get rid of it and life was so much better. I used it with my first so I don't fully remember exactly what I did but I do remember playing with my nipples and getting her to latch without the shield first and then when she got mad use the nipple shield. I did this everytime and it was like each time she stayed on without it longer and longer. I nursed her for 14 months, can't imagine doing it that long with a nipple shield.

SmrBrd2012

How about a mouth guard/denture type case? That's awesome that you've been able to keep using it for so long. I used one for about 6 weeks and it drove me nuts. I lost it all the time and once it almost got ground up by my garbage disposal in the sink...

chicago1985

I used a denture case

ashleyandely

HAHA, I always complain about it being clear! even if I set it down on the bed for a minute I spend the next five looking for it. I agree I would also enjoy breastfeeding more without having to use a nipple shield. I keep mine in a little bag that a set of mini shampoo and conditioner came in. I wrap it in paper towel and then put that, her nose sucker, an extra pacifier and usually extra breast pads in the bag and then throw that in the diaper bag.

nessaic21

I used it too but it caused my supply to almost completely dry up! I started pumping all the time and bottle feeding a lot. The pumping has caused my nipples to stick out more and now she latches very easily. Lately she cries about the bottle and wants the boob instead! I hated the shield. I lost it all the time cause they are literally invisible!

marijaa333

I actually drew a red outline along the edges with a thick red sharpie because i was so sick of losing it!

kby721

@marijaa333 that's a great idea! The denture case is a good idea also. I've been keeping it in a plastic bag but it just seems so unsanitary. Thanks ladies.

ashleyandely

viparker1 said:

I used it too but it caused my supply to almost completely dry up! I started pumping all the time and bottle feeding a lot. The pumping has caused my nipples to stick out more and now she latches very easily. Lately she cries about the bottle and wants the boob instead! I hated the shield. I lost it all the time cause they are literally invisible!

How did it cause your supply to dry up?

seamama525

I am still using a nipple shield too because my LO is used to it and gets really frustrated and cries if I don't. I got a couple from the hospital but also ordered a few more extras because I was always losing them too! Now I keep them in certain places in the house. I ordered a carrying case from Modern Momma which does look a lot like a denture or retainer case. It makes it so much easier to find in the diaper bag because they come in bright colors too! I think I read somewhere that they are clear because dying them isn't good for the baby. My dog ate one once too so I always have to make sure they are not in her reach. I really wish I'd never gotten started on the sheild but at this point it's better than not breastfeeding at all!

orangecurls

Maybe use a pacifier holder? (I used one for the first 6 weeks.)

LadyBlood

They actually make cases for nipple shields, I would search on amazon and see if you can find one.

harpyogi

Ditto on the denture case! They gave me one in the NICU and it worked great when we were using the shield. Agreed with pp who mentioned pumping to help with the flat nipples. Also pumping for a few seconds before attempting to get your baby to latch can help. The transition can be super frustrating

keitlin415

I had to use the nipple shield for the entire duration of BFing (6 months for us) with my first. Felt the exact same way... Had flat nipples, the nipple shield was so hard to find and I always felt like it was dirty. I also vowed to make a glow in the dark one lol. I didn't wanna have to deal with it with my second baby and luckily I didn't have to! My nips definitely changed with my 2nd pregnancy and DD2 has a bigger mouth and latches right away!

tvgirl102

They gave me a denture case at the hospital but I quit using it after a little bit. I have a really small pyrex type dish that I store it in. Yeah its glass but doesn't bother me too much. I never lose it because I always keep it in there
Ugh I don't mind it so much at home but haven't done really any public breastfeeding because of it .
I get her to latch right away (except at night because I'm engorged) then once the initial letdown is done or the milk sprays too much and she chokes (thats my theory), she doesn't want to latch again. So I use the shield.
I'm like,okay you know how to latch so why won't you do it the whole time! Lol it is bettet than not breastfeeding though.
She will be 3 months on Saturday.

DZandLZ

I used a travel soap container-bright colored hard plastic that I found at Target/Walmart for $1. Cheaper than a denture case and brightly colored. I got one for beside the bed, one for diaper bag, etc

sunnymommyo2

The lack of a decent lactation specialist combined with my lack of nursing experience lead me to the shield. I was told I had flat nipples however I thought that was weird because I was able to get them hard... Not to mention that guys could too. The problem was getting them to work consistently and for my son to be patient (oh yea, he also had a freakin lip tie that made it difficult which I found... Not the dr). I used the sheild and he could not be weaned off of it... EVER... At 24 months wean he nursed for the last time he still used the sheild. Let me tell you, looking for that during a toddler meltdown is the most stress I have ever felt in my life. I put a black dot on it with a sharpie to help spot it better. I also would suggest putting it in your pillow case after you use it. Keep about five extras- one in diaper bag, car, bedroom ad two in the kitchen. I just used a ziplock bag or a Tupperware to store them- mouthguard cases or retainer cases work. Gravy container from KFC is perfect.
My second never needed the shield- thank gosh.. I think it was more of my nursing confidence than anything (she has a slight lip tie too). I encourage all sheild mommas who think they can loose the sheik to do so sooner than later...if you can of course. That thing was a blessing ad a curse good luck!