Nipple Shields??

While in the hospital DS had a very difficult time latching on to my left breast due to an inverted nipple. After several attempts at different positions, the LC suggested a nipple shield. She wasnt thrilled about me using it, but we really had no other choice. He has been doing well with it, but I am not sure if he is fully emptying my breast. Has anyone had experience using nipple shields? Should I try to wean him off of it or maybe pump after to empty the breast. TIA!!

Re: Nipple Shields??

I used a nipple shield with DD for her first month of life. Definitely make sure to pump after each feeding with the nipple shield because you do not get maximum stimulation with the nipple shield and it can affect your supply.

How old is DS? I started trying to wean her when she was a month and it did not take me very long. You can start the feeding with the shield and then pull it off. If DS is still under a month, I say use it and then pump. This way, DS learns to latch which will help him wean in a few weeks and you will build up an excellent freezer supply!

Re: Nipple Shields??

I had to use nipple shield at first since DS was tongue tied.
Have you tried to pump first in order to help evert the nipple. I sometimes would pump first to elongate my nipples
Best of Luck be persistent it's well worth it!

Re: Nipple Shields??