Weeing from a nursing shield

babygreen10

Any advice you guys have would be really helpful.  I had latch issues (inverted nipples) in the hospital and they gave me a nursing shield to get started.  I've tried a couple of times to nurse without it and she won't have anything to do with me.  She just screams and screams.  She is 9 days old right now and I'm nursing 15 minutes on each side with the shield and then pumping for 15 minutes.  I am getting anywhere from 2-6 oz when I pump and she usually has milk on her face when she is nursing so I know she is getting something.  

 Again, any advice you guys have would be great.  Thanks in advance! 

LouRN09

I used a shield for the same reason. When I left the hospital, the LC advised I try and wean when DS was 2 weeks old. Well, I tried then but it was a big fail, so I kept using it. DS was gaining wait fine so the LC at the pedi office was fine with me still using it. I eventually got really tired of using it (making sure I had it everywhere we went, it was clean, etc.). It was a pain. So, when DS was 5-6 weeks old I let DS nurse with the shield to fulfill the hunger and allow the nipple to stand out, and then I removed the shield. DS fussed for a little bit and was confused, but after a few times it was like a magnet and he latched like a champ! I actually think using the shield is what helped BF become somewhat easy for DS and I. 9 days may be too soon to remove it? She may still be trying to figure out BF in general so I would hate to mix it up too early?

lckytabby3

I would suggest waiting a little while longer to push it till your supply is stable and baby has a good suck.  Try maybe every other feeding so she gets used to you try but dont really force it. 

I used one for several months and couldn't wait to ditch it.  It took about 3 weeks of trying and pretty sore nipples before I ditched it for good.  It was like she all of a sudden figured out it was easier/nicer without the shield. 

 

MelodyMoonstone

I used one at the beginning because LO's crappy latch and tongue tie ripped my nips apart.  Good for you for pumping after - many people don't know to do so.  

I'd relax on trying to get rid of it.  Wait until your supply is firmly established and your LO is solidly nursing.  You'll be able to ditch it before long, but don't rush it.