Breast Feeding and Nipple Shields- Need Some Advice Please

Need advice from breast feeding moms who had to use nipple shields... My first DD never latched, DD number 2 is now 3 weeks old and has been able to latch but only with a nipple shield, which was originally recommended by the lactation consultant at the hospital.. problem is that she seems to take forever to feed and I was told by her ped and a lactation consultant that it may be bc of the shield slowing down the flow, but I cant get her to latch without it. I am having a hasrd time spending an hour per feeding and am afraid she wont get any quicker as long as I keep using the shield. Has anyone had long term success using a nipple shield, where baby eventually got quicker at eating with it? or been able to get baby to latch without the shield - any tips on weaning off the shield?

Re: Breast Feeding and Nipple Shields- Need Some Advice Please

I did! I can't remember how long I used the nipple shield but it was at least 6-8 weeks. My nipples were so raw without and DD could not latch. She nursed maybe 25 min on each side at first then 15, then 10 etc. Then one day i didnt have a shield on hand and just went with it and so did DD. It took time but we went on to nurse successfully for 16 months!

Breast Feeding and Nipple Shields- Need Some Advice Please

I used nipple shields for about 8 weeks - they saved me bc if it wasn't for them I would have quit bfing it was so painful in the beginning. I probably could have stopped wearing them earlier but was too scared of the pain. Dd started out 20-25 mins on each side but eventually dropped down to 10 mins or so per side. I got her off the shields by starting to nurse with it on then taking it off a few mins into the session. This was her mouth was in position and I was able to get in there
Good luck

Re: Breast Feeding and Nipple Shields- Need Some Advice Please

I used them initially because DS was tongue tied, so once I got his frenulum snipped I didn't have to use it

Re: Breast Feeding and Nipple Shields- Need Some Advice Please

Breast Feeding and Nipple Shields- Need Some Advice Please

I used them a few times until my lc told me to pump for 5 min before latching my dd. This stimulated the nipple so she could latch.

Breast Feeding and Nipple Shields- Need Some Advice Please

thank you ladies! this is very encouraging

Breast Feeding and Nipple Shields- Need Some Advice Please

I used a nipple shield for dd for about 5 weeks bc of poor latch in the hospital. It saved bf for us! But around when she was 5 weeks i tried bf without it and with a little work she was able to latch without it. I cried happy tears. I think as she got bigger and stronger and more practice bf with the shield it helped her latch easier without it. I'd keep trying without it. It took some work but I think you can do it. I went on to bf without a shield until she was 18 mo. Good luck!

Message edited 5/18/2014 9:19:20 AM.

Breast Feeding and Nipple Shields- Need Some Advice Please

I used a shield for 5 wks, maybe a little longer. And I'm still EBF 9 months later. DD was a long nurser until about 5-6 months. Every time she nursed it would take 45 min to an hour. Now she nurses for 10 min and then she wants to go play. It wasn't always easy or convenient but I just stuck with it. Good luck!

Re: Breast Feeding and Nipple Shields- Need Some Advice Please

I never used one, but at that age my baby was taking at least an hour for feedings too, so it's not uncommon.

Re: Breast Feeding and Nipple Shields- Need Some Advice Please

i used them.. it was the only way to get ds to latch. I used them till i went back to work at 12 weeks old. I noticed using less and less when i started pumping- i have/had small nipples.. i would use them again in a heartbeat. they saved my breast feeding journey..i didnt need to ween.. he naturally just took the breast on his own.. it was awesome.. and the best feeling in the world..