Also, anyone using a nipple shield?

Firedancer1013 · February 2011

We have been using one since the hospital where the lactation consultant told me (sorry tmi) that my nipples weren't long enough for LO to latch properly without hurting me. It has worked wonderfully to BF for now, but I really don't want to use it long term as it is a hassle and I feel like my nipples have gotten a bit longer since he has been nursing. Anyone else using one or have previously and transitioned back to just the breast? I may have to re-post in the breastfeeding board... but I just wondered if any of you ladies had done this.

pomrom · February 2011

I think it is good that you want to transition to not using one. LO can get dependant on it. My LC had said not to just use one because other people that breast feed are using them. You should only use them if you have an absolute need for them... and obviously you do...

Anyway, I don't have much advice, just wanted to tell you my experience in discussing it with my LC.

good luck, and you may want to post that over there to see what they say too

momranda · February 2011

I used one for about a week, and then my nipples seemed to be "longer" after using it. He never has an issue latching on unless hes really tired now.

ReeseM · February 2011

Yes you can transition to not using one! Look on Kellymom.com there is a section about weaning from the shield.

Good luck! You will do just fine! I used one with DD1 for 5 months.... I thought, oh well, it works, but once she started nursing without it, it was SOOOO much easier.

Lilleybug · February 2011

I am using one (flat nipples) and it has made breastfeeding so much easier. Everyone is trying to get me to transition to not using it, but right now I am having major supply issues. It has been 1 week since giving birth and I am just now able to produce almost 1 oz in an entire day (which is pretty much nothing). Today is the first day I was able to get anything at all. For now, not using the shield is added stress. I'm taking on the motto if it's not broke don't fix it! Using it is working for now. I may try to transition once I have an adequate supply but for now it makes everything a hundred times easier.

misskassielynn · February 2011

Lilleybug:
I am using one (flat nipples) and it has made breastfeeding so much easier. Everyone is trying to get me to transition to not using it, but right now I am having major supply issues. It has been 1 week since giving birth and I am just now able to produce almost 1 oz in an entire day (which is pretty much nothing). Today is the first day I was able to get anything at all. For now, not using the shield is added stress. I'm taking on the motto if it's not broke don't fix it! Using it is working for now. I may try to transition once I have an adequate supply but for now it makes everything a hundred times easier.

I would look into it/talk to a LC, because I seem to remember reading somewhere that using a shield can actually hurt your supply a little bit because your body isn't getting direct stimulation. Just a random memory, so it may be wrong, but worth looking into if it could help your supply!

JessiRaye · February 2011

I had to use one with DS #2 for about 2 weeks. He was tongue tied and had trouble latching. I was able to get him on the breast without the shield with a little guidance from my LC. GL!I

Lilleybug · February 2011

misskassielynn:
Lilleybug:
I am using one (flat nipples) and it has made breastfeeding so much easier. Everyone is trying to get me to transition to not using it, but right now I am having major supply issues. It has been 1 week since giving birth and I am just now able to produce almost 1 oz in an entire day (which is pretty much nothing). Today is the first day I was able to get anything at all. For now, not using the shield is added stress. I'm taking on the motto if it's not broke don't fix it! Using it is working for now. I may try to transition once I have an adequate supply but for now it makes everything a hundred times easier.
I would look into it/talk to a LC, because I seem to remember reading somewhere that using a shield can actually hurt your supply a little bit because your body isn't getting direct stimulation. Just a random memory, so it may be wrong, but worth looking into if it could help your supply!

Hmmm interesting I will have to look into that. The LC I spoke with in the hospital recommended I use it so I am going to for now. My supply issues are coming from the fact that I lost too much blood during delivery. My body is trying to heal itself before producing anything extra. Apparently, this is normal and I just need to be patient. Since today is the first day I got anything, I am hoping that by pumping every 2-3 hours will gradually continue to increase my supply. I am only using the shield for the 1-2 feedings I am able to attend. The other 6-7 times I am pumping. It was no nice to pump and actually see something come out! Ah, the little things in life...

psychgalbride · February 2011

I am using one and just posted on the BF board about long term use. Since DD was born 3 weeks early and was borderline preemie- she simply is too small and weak to achieve a proper latch without a shield at this point.

TiffanyTheMom · February 2011

I had to use a nipple shield for a small while, but we're weaning off it now. I needed it because my LO's strong suction took off some skin from my nips, and I nearly screamed in pain every time she latched on. The shields allowed my poor nips to heal, and we're weaning off them now that they've patched up mostly. It's going well, she just had to get used to the texture of my nipple again, and even though she half refused it the first few latch-ons, I was persistant and she latched on.

daniellepanda · February 2011

I have to use one too. I had never even heard of them before until the LC at the hospital brought 2 into me after my nurse told her I had "short nipples" ummm thanks?! Hahaha. Anyway LO was 2 weeks early and he has a really little mouth too, and that in combination with my "short nipples" was making it a nightmare to try and get him to latch. Once we started using the shield he was immediately able to latch and feed perfectly fine. The LC told me there is no time limit on how long to use the shield. I read to use the shield to get LO latched then try to take it away and continue the feeding but I have tried that and so far its a no-go so I will just continue to use the shield. Its a total pain to try and nurse while we are out in public so for now I am also pumping so that we can bring a bottle of breast milk with us when we go out to do errands, etc. I have had no issues with it reducing my supply, I actually currently have an over supply as I am pumping 3- 4 oz at least twice a day in addition to LO feeding every 2-3 hours on demand. My milk didnt even come in fully until 6 days PP so I think my body is just trying to figure out how much LO needs, feeding on one side only during feedings has helped with this too but for now its helping build up a stash.

RumbleLina · February 2011

Hm...my LC must suck majorly because no one ever mentioned nipple shields to me in the hospital even though I had scabs on my right nipple due to LO's insane sucking power and I think a poor latch. I had to switch him to my left and pump just on my right until it healed.

I might look into these for the future just in case this happens again.

sarag0116 · February 2011

I was given a nipple shield for the same nipple issue by the LC. The past 2 days during the daytime, I've been trying to bf without it, but am only having about 50% success. I don't even worry about it during nighttime feedings right now. The pedi is anxious for me to wean her, but it'll just happen when it happens.

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Also, anyone using a nipple shield?

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