Breastfeeding question

samanthamommy · September 2014

Moms who have breastfed before, should I buy a nipple sheild before I have my baby or wait and see if I need one?
If so , what kind is best?

Jessie333 · September 2014

Wait and see if you need one. DD wouldn't latch so I was given one by a LC. I believe most LC's avoid them unless they are completely necessary.

Eora3 · September 2014

My hospital LC gave me some to try while I was there. I ended up having to get a bigger size later (TMI: apparently, I have ginormous nipples) but they got me through the first week.

nopegoat · September 2014

Wait and see.

Southernpeach80 · September 2014

I'd wait and see also.

britgil89 · September 2014

What is a nipple shield?

kellyo0131 · September 2014

I would wait and see. I used one for a little bit with DS but then he had a problem latching without the shield.

byrne15 · September 2014

Don't use one unless completely necessary. I got one from the LC when ds#2 was 4 days old.

feeshah · September 2014

Wait and see. I got a pair from the hospital with DD because I had a little trouble BF. Until a nurse showed me how to shove my boob in baby's mouth and surprise!....it wasn't nearly as painful.

[Deleted User] · September 2014

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britgil89 · September 2014

I guess I don't understand how it helps.

[Deleted User] · September 2014

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MeganK81410 · September 2014

I'd wait and see if you need it! I never needed one with DD, but used one for a few weeks with DS. Until you start BFing and see how LO does, you won't know if you'll need one or not.

BabyRN2009 · September 2014

Wait! Nipple shields can hinder milk supply and must be used under the guidance of an LC or experienced professional (such as RN's at the hospital who know how to use one properly) in order to be fitted, applied and used correctly. It can also be harder for baby to transfer milk effectively, so should only be used in situations where weight and feedings are being monitored to ensure baby is getting what he/she needs.

BabyRN2009 · September 2014

^^^All that said...they can be a LIFE SAVER in certain situations when used in the correct way! They just shouldn't be used nonchalantly. I hate that they are available at Target and other stores. Makes moms think they "need" one.

perfectlove09 · September 2014

@twolittledogs I think she will have some good advice on this as well as what other posters have said.

I had the most difficult time with nursing. And even after all of the LC appointments I had and all the Friday afternoon Breast feeding groups, and drs visits,...my LC consultants were still avoiding me using one. We did get on without ever having to use one but they basically said that you should try everything else in your power to fix a problem before resorting to a shield. I also have 1 flat nipple but there are ways to help that too. lol and now after 21 months of breast feeding I'm pretty sure my nipples will never be flat again.

mlee116 · September 2014

Yeah, like PP's said, I would wait. I was given one my LC and I really don't think I could've nursed without it. I have kind of flat nipples, especially on one side and they were worse when I was full/engorged. But that was the only way to get DS to latch. I had to use it for a few months and it was a huge pain like PP said. It also seemed to give DS a lot of gas. I would absolutely love to not have to use it this time but we'll see!

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