nipple shields ?

livy91606

The LC at the hospital had me start using a nipple shield to help DD latch on.  She said I had somewhat flat nipples which was making breastfeeding difficult.  Since then, I have been using the shields for each feeding.  BF has been going great so far.  No pain, and Makenna loves it.

I'm just concerned that the shields arent as sensitive and my supply will eventually drop, before I'm ready.  Also, I hate having to rely on the shield for every feeding. 

Is there hope of weaning off the shield? 

cmcmillan

You can absolutely wean off the shield.  I did it around 2 weeks old, once I had a hang of everything and felt comfortable taking the time and energy to deal with it.  I was afraid he would be addicted to it, but in one day we did it.  It just takes patience, for both of you.

LuvBug12683

yes there is hope!
I had to wear one for Jacob a few weeks after he was born but once we got "settled in" to b/f I didnt have to rely on it so much (phew!) it finally got to the point where I wasnt using it anymore...maybe try every other feeding without it and see how she does...
Im so happy b/fing is working so well for you!
 

Seattle_JiLLn

yeah just keep trying without and see how it goes.  Some kids dont' care at all.  Some might have a harder time.   I hated those things!

pixelvixen

I hated wearing the shields but it was the only way for DD to latch on for the first 2 months. One day, out of the blue, she weaned herself.  I tried to get her to latch at least 2-3x a day...

This time around, I'm going to try this latch assist from Target.  I also have flat nips, so I can understand why it'd be difficult to get a good latch, I'm hoping this will help.  It's only $10, so I thought why not?

https://www.target.com/gp/detail.html/ref=DX410201?ie=UTF8&asin=B00112EIWW

tfarabians

I used shields too!  They were the only thing that got my through bfing!  It wasn't a problem weaning for us at all.  As long as she is feeding there shouldn't be any issue with your supply, its that the milk is drained that causes more to be made.

bunch

It took a lot of work and 5 months for us to wean from the nipple shield.  We kept revisiting with LC's and tried a lot of tactics- eventually though, she reached up, took it off, and latched without it- I never used it again!

During those 5 months, I did work to make sure my supply didn't go down- you are right, that is a danger since the direct stimulation isn't there.  Try eating oatmeal, drinking mother's milk tea, or taking fenugreek to keep your supply up.  GL! 

maddycat

I used the sheild for about 3 weeks and they were a lifesaver.  Graysen was like a barracuda and I really didn't enjoy breastfeeding at all.  I used the sheild and then one day I stopped and it hurt a little but nothing like it did at first.  Then for me it was really easy for me to feed.  I always pumped a lot so my milk always stayed up.