As a side thread to "cracked nipples", I have now tried to use the shields to see if I can let my nipples heal.
Questions for those who know:
1. Is attachment method different? The way I was taught is to push chin on under side of areola, use thumb to pull nipple across and when they have a big open mouth flick the nipple back in. This is impossible (to me?) to do with the shield. I seem to have to let her come front on with open mouth and latch around the shield to suck. She still has the same sucking pattern as far as I can tell with deep jaw movements. Am I doing this right??
2. Will she get let milk when using the shield? Or is it just the week 2 growing she is doing?
little_o did you get help from your LC on using the shields? There can be tricks to using them to ensure it's done right and you don't end up doing more damage. Can you get on to her to come and help you (or someone else)?
I used shields for a while with my son and was ultimately able to ditch them after a while. I hope you can get through this
I have only been using them for a few days but I have to use them for flat nipples and the shields are massively bigger than my nipple, I also have to put X straight on instead of flicking the nipple. Not sure that helps but at least you know you are not the only one using the same method
I have to see her tomorrow afternoon. After my meltdown this morning I thought I better just give them a shot. MadB how long did you end up using yours for?
BubbaT my nipples are fairly small, big area small nipple. Is that how your midwives showed you?
Glad to hear x is on the boob now
I used shields with great success from about 3 weeks to 5 months I believe. DD had a lot of spinal and jaw issues and couldn't attach well, shields were my life saver. They can be fiddly but you do adjust.
I think about 7 weeks. My son's issue was a tongue tie. Actually, if I'd been properly cared for by an LC or other, they would have gotten the TT snipped to resolve our actual problem, rather than leaving us to the shields. Bit narky about that still. He was able to attach ok once he was bigger.
Shields can be really helpful, but sometimes they make things worse and sometimes they only mask the underlying problem, you know? Just about anything is worth a shot, though. I hope the LC can be of some more help for you.
Hi
Some people find using nipple shields a lifesaver - for others they make no difference or may cause more damage. You just pretty much attach your baby over the shield as normal. It looks different as the shield is so much bigger than your nipple. Your baby will get enough milk through the shield and it won't cause your milk to "dry up" or any of the myths you sometimes here people say.
The good news is that nipples heal (and relatively quickly - though it might be hard for you to see that now) even when they are in high use. Actually, from your description on the other thread it seemed like they were already healing (excruciating at the start, but easing off after that) Make sure you keep them air dry. Express a little milk at the end of the feed and rub it around and let it dry (breastmilk has it's own antibacterial properties.) Once damage has been done - it hurts! And it takes a while to heal, but it DOES heal. It qets so much better - and pretty quickly really.
Hi Little one,
I used a shield for DD1 for 7 months, she attached straight on and I found she got plenty enough milk. I regularly tried her without the shield with no joy! DD2 on the other hand attaches easily without the shield, maybe a better sucker with a lower roof on her mouth i am told. Either way as long as I could keep feeding I was happy, even though the shield is a little more work. Good luck with it.
P.S I had bleeding nipples with DD2 and they healed (although super painful at the time) within a week and all was good.
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Nipple shields
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