Using a nipple shield = supply problems?

lj_07

I saw a LC today with my 6 day old baby for latch problems and found out he has a moderate tongue tie. We will consult with the pedi/ENT next week to see if it needs to be snipped (which I prefer to do), but in the meantime we have started using a nipple shield since he was not latching well. It was recommended that I pump after as many feeds as possible for 10 minutes, but I am hesitant to start pumping so much this early in the game.

Does anyone know the correlation between using a shield and having a low supply? Does it really effect supply that much? Today at the appointment he ate about 2.5 ounces over 20 minutes with the shield (longest session we've had yet!) which she said was right on for his age, so I am a little confused on why I need to pump since it seems like my supply at the moment is enough.  

vanfox

LucyD1029:

Yes, pump.  Nursing with a shield doesn't stimulate milk production as much as nursing alone.  Now's the time to establish your supply, so I would follow the advice of the LC. 

This isn't quite right. Some babies do just fine on the shield alone, since babies can compensate by developing a stronger suck.

Personally I think you're right to be wary of pumping so early, since that can create an unintentional oversupply, especially if you're going to get the tongue tie clipped soon and try establishing a proper latch without the shield after that's done. Shields aren't meant to be used long term, but there's not a lot of evidence that indicates the thin silicone shields (especially the contact shields) will affect your supply tremendously in the long run.

lj_07

He is DEFINITELY emptying my breasts since we started using it, and having much longer feeds as compared to before. In maybe 40 minutes of trying to get him to eat he would only actually be latched for about 5 minutes. That would go on all day. So I feel like we've actually improved 100% with the feeding since introducing the shield, which is what makes me feel leary. I think I will start out with maybe 2 pumping sessions a day and re-evaluate from there.

Excited Mrs P

I used a nipple shield (recommended by the hospital LC) when my LO was 3 days old. It without a doubt DID NOT affect my supply at all. I had an oversupply for 8 weeks until my body adjusted.

Also, some may have problems weaning from the nipple shield, but my LO weaned herself off of it by refusing to nurse with it at 8 weeks. It took about a week and a lot of patience, but we both finally have the hang of it without the use of the shield.