Nipple Shield Dilema

mtav22 · July 2015

I'm a first time mom that was completely unaware that having flat nipples would cause for breastfeeding to be more complicated than it needs to be. I'm currently using a nipple shield and breastfeeding just fine but am wanting to wean my baby girl off of the nipple shield so it makes it easier to BF her while I'm out and about. HOWEVER she now refuses to nurse without it. Any suggestions out there!?

mypower610 · July 2015

I had to use a shield the first 2 weeks. I started taking it off after about 10 mins during the feeding. Then worked my way down to her latching without it.

klkonwi · July 2015

I have a friend with this same problem....... I gave her all my shields I bought "just in case"
Annoying problem but at least your still able to feed try pumping for a few minutes to get your nipples stimulated out before latching baby......

Raymer2 · July 2015

After a couple of weeks my nipples started to come out for feedings and I offer the breast without the nipple shield first. It has worked but there are other times after trying I give into the shield. Slowly getting there! GL

magono20 · July 2015

I'm happy to see this thread. After some time in the nicu LO didn't really want to latch on so they gave me the shield. I try to give him the nipple but he screams. I feel like he is just used to the shield. I don't mind using it, but I find it hard to use when out in public. It's just a hassle. Pediatrician says to keep trying but I'm just over it!

teather5 · July 2015

Is anyone worried it's affecting your supply? I am slightly. I'm also a nervous wreck I'm starving my baby for no legitimate reason.

mypower610 · July 2015

As long as you're pumping too your supply won't be affected.
Did you get a curved syringe with the nipple shield? So you have milk in the shield before baby latches on.

zxxiv2 · July 2015

I also have flat nipple and dd wanted no part of trying to latch at the hospital even with using the shield. It was terribly frustrating. I'm so happy hearing that there are some people are very successful with them!

HollisterL88 · July 2015

I was bf with a shield but had to switch to formula for the time being due to bloodwork abnormality from newborn screening for galactosemia. So I have been pumping and storing my milk while we wait for more bloodwork to be tested to confirm that my son does not have galactosemia. I have noticed my nipples have drastically gotten bigger from pumping. I don't think I will need the shield long after I get back to bf.

eeyorefan215 · July 2015

I'm having a problem with the nipple shield. DD wants it NOW like the bottle she was given in nicu. She will latch for a few seconds on the shield then start getting fussy. I've tried expressing some milk in the shield before nursing, but she just doesn't want to do it. I want to keep trying, but I just feel so bad because she's hungry and frustrated

Abbiboyce · July 2015

I ended up getting so frustrated with the shield and trying to wean that I exclusively pump and bottle feed now and everyone at my house is happier! I do use the Medela Calma bottle (baby has to suck on the nipple to get any milk out just like nursing - milk will not come out unless he is actively sucking). Some see exclusively pumping as a hassle but I personally love it. My baby is more content at feedings and I am happy because he is getting all the benefits of breastfeeding without us both being frustrated. When it's something you do 8-12 times a day, it's best to find a route that is not frustrating. My supply has been great 35-40 oz pumped per day with 7-9 pumping sessions.

elizab14 · July 2015

Here is what I am using

https://m.target.com/p/medela-softshells-for-inverted-nipple/-/A-561213

It's a "clam shell" for inverted nipples. You put them on at least a half hour before a feeding and they pop the nipple out. You can wear them all day. The only thing to know is that the opposite breast will leak during a feeding and I've been known to spill milk all over myself and Baby when trying to take it off.

Pumping also pulls my nipples out hut the idea of pumping for a few minutes and the BF for 30-40 doesn't douns appealing

aresee · July 2015

I've been using a nipple shield since the hospital because LO was early and was having trouble latching to my breast. I was frustrated by it too, partly because he's a sleepy eater and would dribble a ton of milk while eating. I'm working on weaning him off it now. Our pediatrician first recommended trying without the shield once a day, but now that he's getting the hang of it a little more, I'll at least try at every feeding except overnight, when I just want the whole process to be over as soon as possible.

MrsRucinski85 · July 2015

With my first I used the nipple shield for about 2-3 months on and off before we were able to wean off it. It was a life saver!! I used it out in public and home and it eventually got easier.

With this little one no matter what I try I can't get him to latch even with the shield. It's been a bitch!

aresee · July 2015

Well, yesterday went pretty well, with all but one feeding without the shield, but today has been the opposite. I could only get him to latch without it a couple of times. It's frustrating and I keep beating myself up that I'm doing something wrong or giving up too soon, but I just can't spend ten minutes every feeding trying to convince him to latch. It's making me crazy!

mtav22 · July 2015

@Abbiboyce
That's awesome!!! 40 oz is a ton!!! How long is each of your pumping sessions. I pump for an hour in the morning and then at night and I only get 10 oz max. I am breastfeeding throughout the day and then freezing what I pump for when I head back to work?

mtav22 · July 2015

@Abbiboyce

lremner · July 2015

I am having the same prob at 1 wk and low supply? Is it b/c of shield the LC at the hospital gave me? 1b/c of supply I am supposed to feed then pump. should I pump a few minutes feed and pump again? Since I'm supplementing w/bottle I worry he is getting too
comfortable with plastic in his mouth.

heidiiwa · July 2015

I think the amount of time you have to use the shield depends on various factors, including how severely inverted your nipples are. If you are able to wean LO off it, that is recommended. In my case, my nipples are severely inverted and it will take longer than a few minutes of pumping to get them to come out at all. For now I am just happy that I can BF at all. And using the nipple shield has not affected my supply. I have plenty of milk for my baby. Actually, I am suspicious of the claim that using the nipple shield decreases supply. Is this backed up by research or is it just an OWT? My baby still uses his hands on my breasts, and he sucks hard and for long periods of time which stimulates them to produce more milk. I also hold my breast most of the time he is eating. So there does not seem to be any way my breasts are not getting enough stimulation to keep up supply.

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