Nipple shields, yes or no?

Smaupin · December 2013

Hi ladies! Fairly new here. STM but my DS is 9 so I don't remember much from his infant years. I do remember the nipple pain of BFing. Are nipple shields worth it? I loved BFing aside from the pain so I'd love to do it this time too.
TIA for any advice!!

typeset · December 2013

Don't unless you have to.

mrspopsicle · December 2013

For me, they didn't help much with the pain, just helped keep DD latched. So maybe it decreased the pain a tiny bit because she wasn't constantly trying to re-latch?

ksyknelvr73 · December 2013

They didn't help me. I know they are life-savers for others though.

Shell+Bell · December 2013

I would suggest maybe having some on hand, but to not use them unless needed.

TheBeeCharmer · December 2013

Don't use them unless you have to. They're the only way DD would nurse for several months, but never used them with DS.

CamrynnsMommy · December 2013

They didn't help with the pain for me, but were a necessity for latching.

Miles2Go · December 2013

Only if you need them. And as I understand it, it is important to get the right size, so you may want to talk to an lc to find out what you might need.

baby3ob · December 2013

They were my saving grace during breastfeeding. But I didn't start out with them - it wasn't until my child basically sucked off my nipple (incorrect latching, which i didn't know) and I visited a lactation consultant where she encouraged one.

I probably won't use one in the beginning this time around again, unless this happens again. But they are amazing. Without it I don't think I could have continued BFing.

Kris2011RN · December 2013

If you are thinking of a nipple shield you should see lactation. You can't use a nipple sheild until your milk comes in. You might have been in pain bc of a poor latch. Dont buy any just yet. Start off without a shield and if lactation thinks you need one then they can tell you what size you need. Do you have inverted nipples? People with inverted nipples have better luck with a shield.

mrsbtobe20122 · December 2013

The purpose of a nipple shield is not to prevent discomfort. It is to help with difficult latch issues. If you plan on breast feeding, I would go to a lactation class and use those resources.

kalette · December 2013

I'm going to bring mine to the hospital this time. I didn't know they existed last time and switched to EPing. I will probably switch to EPing again as I had a really fabulous experience with it, but I think I'll give the nipple shield a chance first. It's never too late to switch to EPing.

Chellbell20 · December 2013

Only if needed. I used one for a few weeks because I was choking dd during letdown. Then we weaned. It was a PITA to have to make sure I always had it.

mrsbtobe20122 · December 2013

I'll also add that if you DO use a nipple shield, most CLCs will recommend pumping after feeding due to supply issues. The use of shields often negatively effects your supply.

danabsd · December 2013

I wouldn't use them unless you have a reason too. In the long run they can cause more issues than just suffering through the first couple painful weeks.

elittler · December 2013

I don't know about the nipple shields, but these nipple soft shell covers helped so much with the discomfort of starting out. It prevents clothes from rubbig against your nipples and when used with Lansinoh cream you can help ease the pain of those first few weeks.

https://m.toysrus.com/skava/static/product.html?type=TRU_product_us&url=/product/index.jsp?productId=2403244&domain=http://www.toysrus.com

Bootsie327 · December 2013

I know that if it seems like you need them, the hospital will provide some to you to try out.

ns1 · December 2013

I agree with the ladies saying only if needed. I also didn't understand them to be for pain either as a PP mentioned. I've heard most people who use one say something about the difficulties about weaning LO from them. Look around for some other options for nipple pain to see what you think will work best for you - lansinoh, soothies, etc.

sthomas1222 · December 2013

Nipple shields are medical devices & it really irks me they're sold at BRU, target, & the like. They should not be used unless directed by an IBCLC. They can cause gas, reflux, & be terribly hard to wean from.

Smaupin · December 2013

I do have one inverted nipple but upon stimulation it's fine

Smaupin · December 2013

Lots of great info! Thanks for the feedback! I love having all of you for this kind of thing :x

Mbo0930 · December 2013

They helped me with pain and latching. I plan to have them on hand for baby #2!

busterbeagle · December 2013

I needed one because of flat nips, but just to avoid pain I would say no.

krlovell · December 2013

If you have inverted nipples or baby has a hard time latching to begin with I'd say yes. But with DS I had the worst blisters ever because of using them, if you are trying to avoid pain lets just say they were the opposite of that for me.

jntaylor11 · December 2013

I Only used one because my lactation consultant said to, but she said to wean off of it as quickly as possible.

SHOPPRINCSS · December 2013

I could not breast feed without them- I tried desperately with both my kids not to need them but always came back to them- for pain and latching. It's the only reason I made it six months with my son(supply was a huge issue with both) I tried everything too but that's another issue!

christieep · December 2013

Like so many PP said, they were a necessity for us. BFing wouldn't have lasted more than two weeks without them. I used one the whole time and my LO never had an issue and I BFed him for just over a year. I didn't even know they existed until the LC at the hospital had me try it. I say, if it is what you need to BF and it doesn't cause LO any issues then there isn't a problem using them. You will find information out there that treats these like the devil, like so many other things, do what is best for you and your baby.

ckandi007 · December 2013

I used one for 2 days, but DS didn't like it. I ended up pumping if I needed a break, but thankfully at the 5 week mark, we had things down and my nips weren't killing me!

rebecca1198 · December 2013

kitchencolors said:

ETA: Oddly enough availability of pump supplies at the big stores is something for which I give them credit. I HATE BRU, Target, etc. Shop there occasionally for convenience, but I was thankful that they had BF/pump supplies - if they didn't no one else would in some places. Finding an LC to meet with is sometimes just not feasible (it's expensive as heck and if you're traveling or something not practical), so being able to acquire the stuff quickly (EPers can't wait 24hrs for new pump tubes!!!!) is awesome.

Totally agree. I was on a business trip a few months ago and one of my membranes tore, and of course I didn't have any backups with me. Luckily I was able to run out to Target easily. I just wish they sold tubing in stores! Can't figure out why they don't.

sthomas1222 · December 2013

Yep you can only get tubing from Medela directly & they will ask a million questions & warn you extensively about pump sharing. Don't get me wrong, shields are great for those who need them but having them so accessible makes people think they're a necessity when they're not

Junebug060609 · December 2013

I needed them for flat nips. Lots of women dont need them though.

starskristen79 · December 2013

Flat nips over here, we used them for a month or so, until my nips became "outties" and we weaned from them. They are not for pain, and I do feel they will become an crutch if you use then for no reason.

jenb_99 · December 2013

They can be great if they actually help you. Babies do tend to become dependent on them, so I'd recommend using them only for more serious problems (bad latch due to tongue-tie or too-small nipples, etc.) and not just adjustment pain, but if you want to nurse and that's the only way you can keep it up, they're super.

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