Do I need to pump after feeding with a nipple shield?

SoonToBeMsP

DD has only latched on without a shield a handful of times (I still try almost every feeding for 15 minutes without a shield). I have flat nipples and this is the only thing that has worked for the last few days. 

Some say yes to pumping, some say no. Anyone have experience that can help me? 

cottonlily84

I would.  It's exhausting but now I'm glad I did.  DD didn't gain for quite a while (later realized she just wasn't getting enough at the breast) but now she is quite the eater!  I have to work hard at pumping now to make enough for her to eat the next day because my supply dropped so low when she was only nursing.  The shield slows them down a bit.  I imagine I'll have to thaw the frozen post-nursing expressed milk for her to eat soon, to mix with cereal if nothing else.  I say the more milk the better and I like pumping knowing I'm getting it all. 

Indiechixor

I did after the recommendation of my LC, but only during the day. Fuggetabout it at night!

I was able to wean DS from the shield at 3 weeks, and dropped pumping as soon as he weaned...didn't notice any remarkable difference in my supply.

 

SoonToBeMsP

Thanks ladies.

This BFing thing has been a roller coaster ride and the last thing I want to do is jeopardize it!  

GoldenPeaches

I never have and have an abundant supply. We use the nipple shield every feeding.

pixieprincss

I did pump, but only during the day.

By the way--hang in there! Eventually that tissue holding in the nipple will release and baby's mouth will get bigger and it will start to work out. Every nursing story is different, but for me at 6 weeks I day weaned off the shield (in the day LO and were both alert to get the latch decent). By 10 weeks, we were off it at night, too.