With DS2 I had used them for about 8 weeks and then moved to the breast, no problems, no supply issues, easy peasy.
When I had Pie & was struggling with her attachement - just that she wasn't really motivated - I asked for a nipple shield (still in hossy) as I had used them successfully with DS2. I was told by the hospital LC that they didn't use them anymore, they would dry up my milk & she would get in trouble for giving them to me. She said she had more success getting babies back to the breast form a bottle, than from a shield.
On the basis of that advice I went home bottle feeding, and never got back to the breast.
So... my 2c... I know you can't discount all the studies & knowledge that is out, there , and who knows - we may be the exception that proves the rule - but I really , really thinnk if everything is working for you then don't mess with it! Be mindful of it, if your supply takes a big dip be aware that may be a reason - but what you are doing now is working. If it ain't broke.....
PZ, this is one of many areas where there is lots of mis-information. Old style nipple shields used to be quite thick and definitely did have an effect on supply. The newer shields have not been researched enough to really know for sure, but anecdotally many mums use them for extended periods without any supply issues. In fact, there is a study which has shown that some premmie babies can transfer more milk when shields are used. There are also mums who report supply issues while using shields, however it is unclear whether this is because of the shields themselves, whether they weren't fitting properly or whether it's due to the underlying problem with the baby's attachment that has resulted in the use of the shield in the first place.
If the shields are working for you and you are happy to keep using them, then there is no reason not to. You need to do what is right for you. I found them a PITA (especially because I was bad at remembering to take them out with me), but they were the only thing that allowed me to breastfeed in the early weeks so I also think they have their uses. You are doing a great job - keep it up and keep questioning the information you get!!
I had to use a shield for the first 3 weeks as my little girl just would not latch on. She decided when she no longer wanted to use it - this caused some issues as she still wasn't able to latch on easily but it is getting better (2 weeks post shield). But I would have continued using it for as long as she needed it regardless of what anyone would say to me.
My LC wanted her weaned off it after 2 weeks, I just lied and said we were getting there.
If you are worried about supply I was advised to express for no more than 5 minutes each side after a feed. However, I think this expressing has created issues as now i have too much milk.
Reply With Quote
Bookmarks