What do you think of nipple shields

[ferrals5]

Hi i am really wanting to BF this time with my last 3 boys i made it to day 5-7 before the mastitis set in with huge engorged boobs and really bad cracked and bleeding nipples it was to the point my milk smelt off and i couldnt even bare for my T-shirt to touch my boobs there was no way my babies could attatch the midwives even told me to go to the bottle it was that bad i had a rash from my chest to my waist and high temps aswell.
I was looking into trying nipple shields the 1st sign of cracks or bleeding to get me through the 1st week or so but i have no experience with them at all and have no clue if they actually work in preventing cracks ect.
How did they work for you.
Is the baby still happy to BF with them.
Does it still feel natural.
And what if your nipples dont fit all the way to the end of the nipple shield.
Also what brand do you recomend.

[Kmn]

I think that you should do whatever helps you get through the first few weeks - because after that things should settle down.
That might be expressing and bottle feeding, or it might be nipple shields, or it might be a combination of both.
Do you think that you have large nipples? If you do then maybe check out getting bigger pump attachments because too small ones can make sore nipples worse rather than giving them a break.

[Babyluv]

Hi
I used nipple shields for the first 6 weeks as bub was having attachment problems. They are a pain in the butt to be honest but well worth it if you're determined to BF. I'm glad I used them because I am bf my dd and that's what I wanted. I've not had a cracked sore nipple yet and it was fairly easy to get bub off them. My nipple doesn't reach the end and that's ok, I have small nipples but used the largest medela one because that's what I was given in hospital and it worked well. I did find though I had a supply issues and bub wasn't getting enough from me' so I had to give her top ups. Now that I'm not using them my supply has increased & I'm not sure if it was the shields or not.
I say give them a go, will be a much better experience than what you went through & it's not difficult to get rid of them when you're ready.
Good luck hun & do what works for you

[Iona Macca]

ferrals - i used nipple shields when luke n i had thrush but i didn't use them for long as i found them soo uncomfortable but everyone is different. i used the avent brand they were $20 i think 4yrs ago. have you thought about using lansinoh on ur nipples??

[toomanyshoes]

Hahahaha I thought this was a different kind of nipple shield! But anyway lol

A friend had a baby just before christmas and she was using them for awhile, swears by them, she had lots of trouble feeding and its much better now and he's weened off the shields.

[ferrals5]

Kmn-no i have small very fair nipples that dont go to the end of the shield.

Babyluv-I will give them ago and try to avoid getting cracks to begin with i have brought tommy tippee nipple shields as that is the bottles i have chosen with this bub.

Iona-what is lansinoh never heard of it?

I really want to do this and at least for 12 weeks before i go back to work then i will express.

[HotI]

lanisoh is lanolin based cream that helps to protect your nipples if they are sensitive or cracked. You get it from the chemist over the counter.

[FabFiona]

I have no experience of this, but I reckon that you do whatever it takes to get you through the first few weeks then go from there. If it's shields, expressing, whatever.

Good luck!

[MrsBexie]

lanisoh is lanolin based cream that helps to protect your nipples if they are sensitive or cracked. You get it from the chemist over the counter.

It is good but if you get nipple thrush or cracked nipples it can make it worse! I am using shields now for the first time cause I have thrush and my nipples have cracked. I can't feed at all without them but with them I was able to do a whole feed on the worst side... Get them n give it a go, but maybe try BF without them first and only use them if you have to...

Good luck sweets!

[Liviam]

I have flat/inverted nipples and I used shields with my first. I fed for 9 months on shields and I had a beautiful b/f relationship. My nipples never came to the end of the shield either. My nipples were "stretched" and for my second I didn't have to use a shield at all and he fed for 15 months. As long as you position your baby correctly at the base of the nipple your bubba should still be able to drain your breast. Just be careful that when you are using your shield you still make sure that bubby is attaching correctly and is taking a mouthful of breast underneath as well. Shields won't stop damage they will help bubba attach properly which should stop the damage.
If you don't want to use Lanisoh you can also hand express a few drops of EBM and rub it into your nipples. EBM is fabulous for healing cracked nipples. Let your nipples completely dry before you put your breast pads on. Also if you find that the pad is stuck to your breast express a bit to moisten the pad and then it should remove without further damage.
I strongly recommend Medela nipple shields too.
Good Luck!

[HotI]

Attending an ABA breastfeeding class, or seeing an LC before bub comes could be a big help. The ABA site has some good articles too. Here is a link to their Breastfeeding Plans
Australian Breastfeeding Association - My Breastfeeding Plan

[onthefly]

Good on you thinking ahead!
I used shields with DS, thankfully not with DD - they're a bit of a pain, but if they help then all good. I found the medala ones good.

The best thing is to prepare yourself - try the ABA classes and get on to an LC before you birth so you've got a plan in place and know where to go for help. Hopefully that will help you feed successfully with our without the shields. All the best

[ferrals5]

Thanks ladies you have been very helpful.

[Miss.B]

I was using the shields for a while and they were a godsend. DS had trouble attaching initially because of a tounge tie, and my nippiles are flat and horrible. He found the nipple shield very good but then it was hard for me to get him onto the nipple without the shields as he got used to it. I didn't think they were that much of a pain, the ones I used were pretty soft and moulded onto my nipple well.