Hey guys, I had really sore nipples when I first started breastfeeding and so used nipple shields while they healed, now healed have been trying to go without. While it doesn't hurt LO seems to prefer to use a shield. She doesn't seem to be able to latch without difficulty onto the breast and get frustrated.

Any tips? Or is it just a matter of perserverance??? Also can you successfully bf long term with shields???

Thanks in advance
Liz xx

Bump!

hi Liz,
i think you're right about it being a case of perseverence, you can wean off them. You could try starting the feed with them on and then breaking the latch, whipping the shield off and sticking lo back on all v quickly (easier said than done!) this is what i did with dd1 and it did seem to work eventually. They do prefer the shield as its bigger in their mouth.
it is better to not use them cos apparently they can affect your milk supply, however i have known a couple of ladies feed for 7 months exclusively using them so i wouldnt get to stressed about it if lo wont feed without them. hth x

thanks very much for replying! will persevere i think

xxx

hi there

my lo started off on shields due to being premature and needing to latch on more easily but I did move him on to the boob direct. At each feed I had to feed him fromt he shield initially to take the edge off his hunger and then try him direct on the boob, it took a while but he got better each day and I did get rid of the shields and fed him until he self weaned at 10.5 months.so it is doable! I think long term they say that using shidelds can reduce your supply.

HTH

Hi there, i used nipple shields for 6 months whilst i breastfed my son and had no problems with supply etc, got on with them really well and he was very adaptable with shields and bottle as they are similar, i wouldn't worry about using them long term if your LO is happy using them xx