BTDT moms who breastfed...

ocnfish4 · March 2013

I'm wondering if you tried nipple shields? I think I'm planning to breast feed, but am nervous about the discomfort. If you tried nipple shields, were they good? Would you recommend them? I'm wondering if it's more difficult for baby to get the milk, or if they have to suck more forcefully.

LnR70707 · March 2013

I did not, but I have a few friends who did and for one it actually just caused a whole different kind of discomfort because they rubbed. Unless you have flat nipples or baby has a latch issue, I'd skip them.

revlaurawittman · March 2013

When DS was born our lactation consultant made a big deal about not using nipple shields. She sad that they caused more problems rather than helping. I had very flat nipples when I first started nursing and all I had to do was use the pump for

EMLYNNLERETTE · March 2013

I did not use them. Understanding that everyone's experience is different, I felt the tiny bit of discomfort in the first few days was easily managed and sooooo worth it! After DD got her latch down we were gold!

danssugahbugah · March 2013

I wouldn't go straight for nipple shields from the beginning unless there is a reason. Breastfeeding is uncomfortable at first but gets insanely better. Just make sure you're getting help from a licensed lactation consultant and not just a nurse in charge

cvl105 · March 2013

I wouldn't use them if you don't need it for any issues. I had a friend need them for latch issues and she wished she didn't need them. The discomfort lasts for a short period...for most.

BillysGrl27 · March 2013

DS was a preemie and had issues feeding so I used one for several weeks at the suggestion of the OT and LC. I don't plan on using one this time unless I have to.

ocnfish4 · March 2013

Okay, thanks. I didn't think about them being necessary mostly for issues. I thought they were a comfort thing. I'll skip them for the beginning then, and hope baby will be able to catch on quickly.

jeapplegate · March 2013

They are a PITA. I wouldn't use them unless you were having a problem and the LC recommended them. They actually can casue supply problems b/c smoe babies don't create good suction with them. For people having issues they are a useful

beckyjoy8 · March 2013

Yeah I'd agree with lots here and say skip them unless there's an issue. The first week it was uncomfortable and even stung at times, but honestly once we both figured it out, its been the best thing ever. Still going 8 months later. Hope it works out for

AngelMommy11211 · March 2013

I've tried them, but I wouldn't use them unless you have an issue. Otherwise it can be confusing and harder to get things going without that natural latch.

magdalina.h · March 2013

I had to have a nipple shield. I have inverted nipples and needed it to draw them out

SweetPeaK26 · March 2013

I only used them when I had to because of bleeding nipples or a super strong suction. Unless you need to, I don't think it's wise to use it long term, but that's only what I've heard from a few pushier lactivists.

holliekriegel · March 2013

Definitely try to BF without them. I had latch issues and had a lot of cracking and peeling to the point that mine would bleed so I had to because I was in so much pain otherwise. After the first several weeks your body gets more used to it and less

sprocketsmom · March 2013

I did because I had cracking and bleeding from the get go. It was too painful without. I had supply issues because of it; DS wasn't transferring milk and my breasts weren't being emptied. I do know several people who had no issues with them. But definitel

TristaD81 · March 2013

Yes, I used a shield for the first four months or so. I have giant flat nipples and DD couldn't latch well so i needed a shield. It sucked and I would only recommend using one if you need it. It only makes nursing that much more difficult, instead of popp

kat81again2 · March 2013

L&R70707:
I did not, but I have a few friends who did and for one it actually just caused a whole different kind of discom

tnt7409 · March 2013

I had to use them because I had flat nipples. You'll get over the discomfort. Nipple shields can be a pain when you have a screaming baby that wants food because it has to be cleaned and you have to know exactly where it is all the time. That being said,

kat81again2 · March 2013

jeapplegate:

In the grand scheme of things, it will be the least painful thing about having a newborn (at least for me

GYMCHICK17 · March 2013

I agree with what others had said. If you don't need it for latch issues I wouldn't use it. Breast feeding is painful at first. I don't think there is any way around it.

Amusjh · March 2013

I used them because of latch issues, but I felt that they were painful too.

mmdd20 · March 2013

I did not try the nipple shields. The discomfort, though painful in the beginning, was gone after a couple weeks. I also pumped and bottle fed when I just couldn't take the pain anymore, which I know some LC frown upon, but it really helped me get

AshleyPT · March 2013

I have nursed for 21 months using a shield. I have had zero problems or discomfort from shield issues.

It is a bit of a pain early on to make sure you always have a clean one with you. When she was older, if I dropped it on the floor, I'd j

abell77 · March 2013

I would only use a nipple shield if you encounter problems with nursing. Sure, it will be a little uncomfortable in the beginning, but that should subside after the first couple weeks. If it doesn't, see a lactation consultant for help with la

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