Anyone use nipple shields?

DD is 5 days old. I know breastfeeding isn't comfortable at first but I was starting to wonder how much pain was too much. SIL gave me nipple shields in the wishing well at my shower. I pulled them out and started using them. It definitely took the edge off the pain but I am wondering......now what? How long can I use them? Was it a bad idea to start? Anyone have any experience?

Anyone use nipple shields?

I did for poor latch. Used it for about 5 weeks than she was able to latch well without it. I wouldn't use them if you don't have it. They are kind of annoying. You always have to clean it and look for it when you're ready to bf. I prefer just putting her straight to the breast but that's just me.

Re: Anyone use nipple shields?

I use them and love them.
I was breast feeding in the hospital but she wasn't latching well to the point (tmi alert) my nipples were cracked and bleeding. The lactation consultants at the hospital said I was doing fine and not to worry. Thankfully a nurse at the pediatricians office suggested the shields and my nipples healed in no time and I was able to continue feeding. I've tried to take her off of then and well I'm stuck! She doesn't latch well without them (my nipples started cracking again) or she just cries and won't eat. So at 6 weeks I'm still using them, I hope to get her off of them soon. But I will say if it wasn't for the shields I would have given up breast feeding weeks ago! Breast feeding should not be painful!
I know people that used them for a month and their kids had no problem transitioning to the boob...all babies are different just do what works for you

Re: Anyone use nipple shields?

My dd was tongue tied so we used them until she was snipped. Improved her latch and decreases pain for me. No issue with supply for me

Anyone use nipple shields?

i used them for poor latch...no issues here

Re: Anyone use nipple shields?

I used them from day 2 in the hospital all the way up to 9 months when I stopped BFing. I was told I had "inverted nipples" so I found it was the only way it worked for me. They aren't really meant to be used long term but, hey whatever works!

Re: Anyone use nipple shields?

I used them with my first 2 because I have a flat nipple and they had Trouble latching but after 3-4 weeks they did fine without it.
With #3 I'm still using them at 7 weeks. He didn't want to latch due to getting bottles in the NICU and my LC said this would help. He does fine with out them as far as latching goes but doesn't nurse great with them. I will try again in a weeks or two to stop using them.
They can effect your supply and it does change how your milk lets down but nothing major.
I say if they help keep using them

Re: Anyone use nipple shields?

I used them for several weeks in the beginning to help dd latch. I went on to successfully bf for a year. They helped tremendously.

Re: Anyone use nipple shields?

DD was born with a fever and in the NICU they presented her with a bottle first... so we had difficulty latching. I used a shield for quite sometime. She was also born with two (yes two) teeth so we continued to use the shield for a while. I think by the end of bfing (8 months) we no longer used it.


If you can avoid it I would, but if youre stressing out I say give it a try. It is a pain in the butt though bc you always have to make sure its handy and sterilized.

Good luck!!