Nipple shields...

LilyB2521

What are the disadvantages to using them?

One of the nurses in the hospital had me use one for a couple of feedings, and it worked great, two of the best feedings we've had, especially since we're having latch issues on my left side.  But then another nurse said that I shouldn't be using them unless I absolutely have to, and made it sound like she preferred I didn't use them.  BFing has been going ok without them, like I said, we're still having latch issues on the left, but she's feeding just fine from the right.

I guess I really liked how well feeding went the two times we used them, so I'm wondering if it would be a bad thing if I started using them again? 

TIA.

ab&jim

I'm going to get a rap as being pro-nipple shields. This question has come up more today...

Anyway, I have been using a nipple shield for 3 months. If I could breastfeed effectively and painlessly without it, I would. No question. But I can't seem to, so I use it religiously. I would say if you can get her to latch well on the left without the shield, then do so and she'll get better at it. If it continues to be a struggle, you've got the shield as backup. Just realize that she may start to prefer it for both sides and then you'll have the potentially un-fun task of weaning her off it. If the use of the nipple shield hinders your ability to breastfeed for as long as you want (for whatever reason) then it's probably not a good idea to keep using it.

Personally I am committed to BFing for a year and then until she weans herself. So I will put up with the inconvience of the nipple shield. I'm just that strongly committed (or stubborn if you ask MH) to the idea of 1 yr BFing.

L&T4/8/06

I had the same issues where one of my nipples was inverted, and the other one wasn't.  I used a shield on my left side and it really helped to draw my nipple out.  I think I used the shield for about a month or 6 weeks, just until I felt like we both had the hang of BF.

To wean him from it, I would start a feeding with it, then remove the shield and re-latch him.  I think it took a few times, but he finally got it.  

In my opinion, those first few weeks of BF are so hard, so if a shield is helping, then keep using it.  If you really are committed to BF, do whatever it takes, and worry about weaning her off of it when you're both really comfortable.  Good luck, and hang in there!

adri77

Listen, BFing is hard, and if nipple sheilds are making things easier for you, and your baby is having the enough wet/poopy diapers and gaining weight, than go for it!!!!  I used one with both of my babies, and was able to wean from them when we were both good and ready.  But I also have heard of women who use them exclusively- one I know used it for a year.  Like I said, do what makes life easier for you right now and good luck!

jgilesslp

I used them and then successfully weaned my son off them and he does fine without them now.  I say use what is need to help.  As someone else said, BF is hard enough!

Timeg

I used one for four months and it wasn't a problem at all. In fact, I had an oversupply of milk (despite what some people have told me about them). We had problems nursing, because my nipples were very inverted. DD weaned herself from it. One day, at about four months, I tried her without and she took to it. Babies will decide when they're ready and, even if they don't, it's not a big deal.

mjcleve

I used nipple shields for the first 3 months due to latch issues and might just use them with my next baby just to avoid the nipple pain!  They have a bad reputation for hurting milk supplies but this just isn't true with the new types of shields.  The only downside I saw was making sure you have a clean one with you at all times.  It really helped our BFing relationship and if it is helping yours then I say use it!

calhoun05

I am using one now due to latch issues. ?I am seeing an LC, and she has told me both to ?pump in case the LC is affecting supply and to supplement with ebm - the supplement is really more precautionary because my son was small for his gestational age. ?I'm hoping to stop at least the supplement soon because he's gaining weight well and seems to be nursing well with the nipple shield (FYI, he's now 3 weeks and 6.5 pounds - low weight was 5 pounds).?

Princess_Ariel

mjcleve:

I used nipple shields for the first 3 months due to latch issuesThe only downside I saw was making sure you have a clean one with you at all times.  It really helped our BFing relationship and if it is helping yours then I say use it!

Ditto here. The only other thing is it can make it more difficult to nurse discretely in public, and once you have a squirming baby, forget it. Use it until you are both comfortable, then try to wean as a pper said. Since your LO can nurse well on one side without it, you shouldn't have to use it forever.