Nipple shield users, please come in!

WaitingForMyMiracle

My left boob is a problem child and I started using a nipple shield from day one. Eventually I started using it with both breasts and my nipples are so .

Does anyone have any problem with it leaking all over LOs face? And not only that, but I feel like it's giving LO extra air intake and he's getting gas and the hiccups from using it. I'm just not sure if it's the shield causing the problem or the latch.

Any advice from more the more experienced?

Sarahb34743

Babies are naturally gassy so it may not be the shield. If its bothersome just make sure to burp more. But yea, the shield is messy, but at least it makes it easier to transision to bottle!

britti<3

i went back and forth with the shield because of latching problems. It's messy and i would always have milk running down my stomach, all over the baby, etc. Maybe the air is because you don't have it on properly?

WaitingForMyMiracle

You're probably right about the gas... I'm still under the naive assumption that I have total control over his digestive system.

Does your LO get rashy from the liquid on his face? I'm not sure if I need to use some kind of preventative on his cheeks just in case...

cosmobella

I can't say that I know that much about using the nipple shield but here's what I do know. It is messy. My LO often gets milk all over the place when he pulls off. I usually set myself up with a burp cloth under him, one under my boob, and an extra one for damage control. That keeps the mess to a minimum.  My letdown is pretty fast so I don't think my LO swallows that much air. All the same I burp him every time. I doubt he has hiccups any more frequently than other babies.

grettaz

I think the gas is probably just his immature digestive system, but the shield definitely makes things messier. I had to tuck a burpcloth under her face every time we nursed or I would be soaked afterwards. I don't think the breastmilk will irritate his skin as long as you clean him up after he eats.