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May 2012 Moms
Nicolewinsbingo
member
*hoping4sticky* and anyone else on nipple shield weaning
Nicolewinsbingo
member
I am using the 20mm Medela nipple shield for breastfeeding due to latch problems. We started using it when he was like 8 hours old and he didn't really latch successfully before that.
Between 3 and 14 days we had a handful of successful feedings on each side where we didn't use the shield, but otherwise we've had to use it for every feeding. LO is now 3 weeks and 2 days old. I do the 'nipple sandwich' and also try to pull the nipple out as much as possible but it really doesn't seem to do the trick. He roots around and sort of finds the right spot, half-latches for 1 second, then gives up and lets go and starts rooting again. If I try to hold him still on the right spot he just fusses until I let him move away. I think the shield is just easier and so he sort of holds out for it, and I give in pretty quickly because I don't want him to get super frustrated.
I am interested in weaning off the shield as soon as possible since it is such a pain to use in public, but I don't have any other reason than just not liking using it...he is nursing great and I will gladly use the shield as long as necessary if that's the only way we can get the job done.
So, hoping4sticky, you weaned off at 2.5 months with your LO...how did you wean? Anyone else with experience weaning off the shield?
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Re: *hoping4sticky* and anyone else on nipple shield weaning
Honestly I didn't do anything one night I was tired and not paying attention and she latched without it. It was the first time she had done that and I realized she could. The lc had told me to take away the shield after a few minutes each feeding and try to latch but that was a pain. I think that the combo of both of us figuring out what we were doing, her getting older and stretching out my nipples allowed us to drop it.
GL I know washing them and keeping track is a pain but it is still easier than bottles.
I had this issue with my first. I ended up EPing but for a different issue.
What I would recommend is starting with the nipple shield and once your nipples are drawn out then try to re-latch, at that point your LO won't be super hungry either so he/she will have a little more patience. I noticed after EPing for 10 months my nipples are less fibrous then they were when I first started so I'm hoping this second time around goes better! Good luck!