If you have used or are using a nipple shield, I need advice!

Bella263

While in the hospital I was told I had flat nipples and LO had a hard time latching. I also had a LOT of pain while nursing. I was given a Medela nipple shield by a nurse who said it would help, and it did. Bella latched better and my nipples became a lot less sore and were able to heal.

However, 2 weeks into breastfeeding she is now completely unable to nurse without the shield. And I hate the shield. It's become a complete pain to put on, to clean, to find... I want to have her nurse naturally but am not sure how to make the transition.

She has become lazy with the shield - she doesn't have to open her mouth wide for it, she can pull on and off and relatch easily, etc. And when we try nursing without it, those things cause me a lot of pain. She also swallows a lot of air and spits up 3-4 times after each feeding because she initially sucks only air until my milk fills the shield which I know isn't good.

Any suggestions for trying to get her to latch properly on just the breast? I've talked to a lactation consultant who offered a few suggestions until she can meet with me, and I see my Dr. tomorrow. But I'm looking for things that have worked for moms who have been through this.

Thank you!!

MommaToBatman

My DS stopped using ours at exactly 1 month old.  I was SO thankful for that day.  I couldn't find the shield, so I just put him to the breast and he latched on (the first time since the couple of times he did in the hospital).  He seemed to prefer that one side tho so what I would do was tried to feed him longer and more on that one side until finally he would just eat completely shield-less (which was only a couple of days).

Another suggestion they gave me was to gradually cut the shield (make sure you have extras) until she is eating from the nipple alone.

HTH 

babysn0wie

DD has barely stoped using the nipple shield, and shes 5.5 months. She wouldn't eat at all without it. So I just started putting it in tupperware filled with water.

AJluvsLI

I have flat nipples too, things that work for me are pumping a little before feeding so the nipple is easier to grab, and I also wore the medela breast shells for flat nipples in between feedings for the first couple weeks.

Now he latches on to the left side no problem and the right one he can nurse with the shield for a little and then go without it. 

Rogue Lily

Don't be discouraged. My LO and I discovered we needed the shield at about 2.5 weeks- we basically were at a total loss on BFing before we gave it a try. If she's able to wean, she will do it as she gets older and is more coordinated. My doc says MOST babies will quit it by 1-2 months, but some just never do.

tsoyster

I used one until I lost it one day, and finally found it in the dog's bed as a new toy.  I just tried without it, and she latched. One thing that really helped later on was dribbling some milk onto my nip while LO was trying to latch.  She went after the milk and latched in the process. 

Jocelyn0415

DD will only take the shield or the bottle. Honestly, the shield is more of a PITA than the bottle. I try to get her to latch to the breast, but she just pulls off and screams. I'd definitely meet with the LC.

MrsKaCy

I went through the exact same thing as you. I had to use a nipple shield due to flat nipples.  I used it for the first 3 weeks but I keep getting mastitis and I think it's partially due to the shield.  It was hard to get DD to latch b/c she was lazy with the shield and got used to not latching properly.  I would start off with the shield on so she could get some milk and take the edge off her hunger.  Then I'd try her without the shield.  It took a lot of patience but eventually she got it.  She's doing great without the shield now - I am the one who misses it b/c now my nipples hurt like crazy!

Lesley0228

We used the nipple shield until 8 weeks. Around that time, DD seemed to get frustrated by it. I think the flow is slower. So I started trying to latch without first and we would eventually use the nipple shield to make sure she ate something. I read all the how-to latching guides I could find and watched videos. The thing that worked for me was taking my nipple and shoving it towards the rough of her mouth trying to get as much in as possible. Particulary trying to get the underside of the nipple in. Eventually she learned to catch on to this. Over about a 2 week transition, we were finally nipple shield free. It is so much faster and cleaner without, but it took about a month of bad nipple pain to get calloused. Since you have flat nipples, maybe start with the nipple shield to pull your nipples and get LO past the frantic hungry stage and then work on latching. In time, you guys will get it down. Good luck!

holdn5

I'm also still using the shield. It is a PITA, but it helps her feed and I haven't had any problems with my supply. I went to target and bought a few more shields (3 total) to use. Keep using the shield if it helps with feedings, especially if your baby isn't taking the breast without it...

lili_ana

Here's what my nurse told me: Wear nipple shells to help the nipple stick out. Medela has ones that have been working great for me, I can see the difference already, plus they help with the soreness.   When nursing, keep using the nipple shield and to start the weaning process, shave the tip of the shield to expose your nipple and to let the baby feel it when he sucks. In following sessions, shave more and more of it, until you get to the point where the nipple is fully exposed and you don't need the shield anymore. This method helps the baby to transition smoothly. I haven't tried this yet because I have to buy an extra nipple shield. Hopefully will try it next week. GL!