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For BFmoms that have used a nipple shield...

pattersgpattersg member
in Babies: 0 - 3 Months
So, since day 1 I had some serious troubles getting LO to latch, there were no LC's available and eventually I figured out on my own that my nipples were inverting and flat and so she wouldn't/couldn't latch, so we started with the nipple shield. It saved me!! I REALLY wanted to breastfeed and I was so stressed by LO's crying and lack of latch, lack of weight gain, jaundice etc, I almost gave up. I tried the nipple shield and OMG, a miracle!! That was on day 4... now we are at 6 weeks and I have been trying to wean off the nipple shield but she wants none of it. She will cry and fuss rather than latch.  So.. my question is. If you used the nipple shield, how long did you need it? Did you have any supply issues because of using it? Do you have any suggestions for trying to wean? TIA!
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Re: For BFmoms that have used a nipple shield...

  • Mustang SallyMustang Sally
    I used one with DS1 and I'm having to use one now, for basically the same reason - my nipples are kinda flat and LOs seem to have trouble latching when my milk comes in. With DS1 we used it for a month. I just started offering him my bare nipple first and kept trying with the "nipple sandwich" technique. It didn't go well at first but he eventually started being able to do it and finally one day I didn't need it at all. You will find also that your nipples get pulled out and get longer just from breastfeeding so much so over time this helps, along with LO getting stronger. I was able to BF for 11+ months last time. Just keep trying, they will get it eventually. Looking back I wish I hadn't stressed so much about it. It was such a short period of time.
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  • anniebugganniebugg
    I weaned DD by starting with the shield on then taking if off mid feeding (after my nipple was drawn out) and continuing the feeding. The first few times she'd start screaming after a few minutes eating without the shield, so I'd put the shield back on. Over time, the amount of time she'd go without the shield got longer and longer, now she's completely weaned off of it. Hope that helps!
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  • daniellepandadaniellepanda member
    I have tried a few times to get him to BF without the shield and he acts like he has no idea what he is doing. I have tried taking it off mid feeding and that has not worked either :/ I have flat/short nipples I guess and he has a very tiny mouth and recessed chin which the LC said makes it harder for him to open his mouth wide enough to latch. We started using the shield while still in the hospital when the two LC's there gave them to me to try. They have worked perfectly, and LO has had no issues with weight gain and I have had no supply issues. I know they have a bad rap, but the LC at the hospital told me not to stress about it and if I want to use it a year+ that is totally fine to do. The only reason I really want to wean him off of it is because I feel it makes it much messier to feed him, having to clean the shield each time and it makes me too stressed to try to NIP.
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  • sarabostonsaraboston

    I needed mine until about week 8/9, but I also EPed for the first 4wks. Keep trying to get her to latch, start with it on then remove, etc. Kellymom has good tips too:

    https://www.kellymom.com/bf/concerns/baby/wean-shield.html

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  • hollerjeepgirlhollerjeepgirl member
    I used one for DS while he was in the NICU and it worked really well! Sometimes you can use one, then squirt a little milk in their mouth at the same time he's trying to suck on the shield and it gets them to put the connection together. They say don't use it LATER in your child's life because it can decrease your milk supply but not when you're starting out. I EP now because DS takes forever to BF and I don't think he likes it anyway so I'm going to try BF when he's older.
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  • abell77abell77 member
    I ended up needing to see an LC at about 3 weeks old to get help with weaning.  One of the tips she gave me was to start nursing with the shield, then after let down when you know the milk is flowing, quickly break the latch, remove the shield and quickly put LO back on breast.  It can work because they are already sucking away and if you do it quickly they don't notice the change, and eventually don't depend on the shield because they are more used to your breast.
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  • TakeLuckTakeLuck

    I had the same issue in the beginning. DS was in the nicu and was having latch troubles. They wanted him to eat and the talked me into using a nipple sheild instead of trying over and over to get him to latch on to my tiny nipples without it.

    We eventually got him off it. We always started with the sheild and then I would take it off after a few good sucks then try and get him to latch. It took a few tries but he eventually got it. It was frustrating though and I had visions of having to use that thing until he was in high school...

     

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