Success!!

pandd10513

I've been using a nipple shield since day one--the nurse who helped deliver LO said I have flat nipples so I was given a shield right away. LC confirmed I should use one too. I've been periodically trying to nurse without one, but baby always pulled away or cried when she came in direct contact with my nipple. Well tonight during our bedtime routine, I forgot to grab the shield before I sat down. DH went to grab it and I just held LO up to me and SHE LATCHED WITHOUT IT!!!! She was finished eating in less than 10 minutes (normally at bedtime she nurses for anywhere from 20-60 minutes) and now she's sound asleep!! I was so happy I cried! Not getting my hopes up that she will completely stop using the shield, but I'm so happy I was able to nurse without it (successfully!) even one time.

nmfranklin00

How old is she?? I've been using the shield since the first time too- they never said my nipples were flat, but they look like it to me after he eats...It's such a hassle when I'm trying to use the shield and a cover at the same time :-(

Ckorines

Stay positive ladies! I used one with my first daughter for the same reasons and am now nipple-shield free with my second!

beeish

Aww! I'm so happy for you! Good job momma!

dmh1687

So happy for you! I had the same experience. Could only nurse lo with the shield for six weeks! If not for the shield we may have never been able to breastfeed. At six weeks he suddenly was able to latch and has been ever since.

pandd10513

She is 8 weeks old. She always makes a mess with the shield too, ripping it off and spilling milk all over me, my bed, my clothes. No mess without the shield! All that milk went directly to her! I dread taking her places with me because of having to nurse with the shield. Hoping this is a turning point for us!

kristyn831

LO stopped using the shield at 7.5 weeks. I had been pumping when he suddenly got hungry and figured I would try to get him to latch and he did. We were completely off the shield within 24 hours.

bnk2012

Congrats!! My twins were also able to latch without the shields at around 7 weeks. It was awesome & allowed me to nurse them more often and decrease the formula a little. A LOT less messy

nataliemarie02

My LO had a small mouth and high palate which made it hard for her to pull the nipple back into her mouth to get a good latch. We used the shield for about 3 weeks and once we were done with it, we occasionally used it at night. One day I sat down to nurse her and the shield was across the room so I tried it and she latched (with much frustration though.) but It was so awesome. Once I knew she was capable I really worked with her on it. Now we are shield free. It's great because it allowed us to nurse in the beginning. We still are working on our latch; although the shield was inconvenient, I loved it.