Anyone use nipple shields while BF?

I'm a little embarrassed to ask this question, but I figured if anyone could help me, it's all of you!

I had DD 2 1/2 weeks ago, and had trouble beginning BF because apparently my nipples are "flat" (I had no idea about this before ). I have been able to BF successfully with the help of the Medela nipple shields, and they have been great. But the lactation consultant I've been meeting with suggested I try to "wean her off" of them within the next two weeks.

Every time I try to do this, DD gets frustrated easily. I was told that over time, the problem would fix itself due to the nursing, but it doesn't seem to be happening.

If any of you have had a similar experience, I would greatly appreciate your help! Thanks!

Re: Anyone use nipple shields while BF?

I don't have experience with that but I will say almost 6 weeks in my nipples are more "alert" so to speak. Hopefully the same will happen for you. Can you feed her with the nipple shields and maybe let her comfort nurse without. If she's not hungry maybe she won't get as frustrated?

Re: Anyone use nipple shields while BF?

I had the same issue, and DS did not like the shield at all! I was never able to BF so I've been pumping for him for almost 4 months, sorry If the sheilds work, I would continue to use them

Re: Anyone use nipple shields while BF?

I used them, but it was to alleviate my bf pains. The sheilds helped for the moment, but DC has such a powerful 'suck' that he pulled up blisters. He would nurse off anything - and never had nipple confusion. So he never cared if they were on or off.

I would say if the sheilds work for you, then keep using them - she will ween off them when she is ready.

Did you try calling the LL main number. I left them a message once, and they called back. They are very helpful.

Message edited 12/28/2008 7:24:24 PM.

Re: Anyone use nipple shields while BF?

I am using them non stop..I am in the same situation as you ( the niples)

Re: Anyone use nipple shields while BF?

I used them the ENTIRE time I bf ( almost 5 months)

I had the same issue and it was the only way I could successfully bf. I stressed about weaning her until my ped told me not to worry about it.


Good luck... I bought about 6 shields and had them all over the house!

Re: Anyone use nipple shields while BF?

I will be honest with you. I used them and wish I never started with them. When I began to BF DS in the hospital I had the same problem. The nurses suggested the nipple shield. I did it and he latched right on. They told me that after a few days he would latch on normally. He never latched on normally. I am in the process of weaning him and we used the shields for 11 months. I tried many times to get him off the shields but he would not. I would follow what the lacation consultant recommends and try and wean off it as soon as possible. It was annoying because it was another thing that I had to sterilize and always make sure I had it with me. They are good to use in case of soreness on a temporary basis but not all the time.

Re: Anyone use nipple shields while BF?

i had issues with DS's latch and flat nipples as well. the nurse at the hospital advised me to use nipple shields only as a last resort, and i never did. it was VERY frustrating for the first few weeks but after nursing almost exclusively, we were able to work through it.

my best advice would be to keep at it. eventually nursing will make them more prominent and easy to latch onto. i never thought it would happen to me (that they would "stick out" more) but they do now.

Re: Anyone use nipple shields while BF?

I had to use a shield because of inverted nipples...it helped her latch but was very annoying to use...that was just one of the many problems I had with breast feeding and ended up having to stop in order to be able to give DD proper nourishment, so i cant advise on the how long to use it.

Re: Anyone use nipple shields while BF?

Posted by MrsRivera

I'm a little embarrassed to ask this question, but I figured if anyone could help me, it's all of you!

I had DD 2 1/2 weeks ago, and had trouble beginning BF because apparently my nipples are "flat" (I had no idea about this before ). I have been able to BF successfully with the help of the Medela nipple shields, and they have been great. But the lactation consultant I've been meeting with suggested I try to "wean her off" of them within the next two weeks.

Every time I try to do this, DD gets frustrated easily. I was told that over time, the problem would fix itself due to the nursing, but it doesn't seem to be happening.

If any of you have had a similar experience, I would greatly appreciate your help! Thanks!

Re: Anyone use nipple shields while BF?

I was given a nipple shield by a nurse who SHOULD have taken the time to help me get DD to latch. It was such a pain to deal with the sterilizing, fumbling, and the frustration of trying to get DD to latch without it.

My main reason for wanting DD off the shield (beside the whole inconvenience thing) was that using a nipple shield is likely to negatively affect your milk supply because the baby isn't stimulating the let down reflex through true suckling. My LC recommended pumping for a minimum of 5 minutes after each nursing session to protect my supply.

To get DD off the shield, I would first nurse her with the shield so she wasn't starving, then, I'dslip it off and quickly try to relatch her. Sometimes she'd latch, sometimes she wouldn't. My LC told me that even getting her to latch for 2 or 3 sucks was progress and that eventually she'd stay on longer and longer. I swear, it really went like that: one day she stayed on for a few seconds, then slowly, the time she spent latched got longer and longer until finally one day she would latch easily and stay on for full feedings (she was about 8 weeks old).

Also- I found that she would tend to be more willing to latch without the shield during overnight feedings when she was sleepy.

Good luck!