I had inverted nipples so started using a shield when I was in hospital to help DS attach and try and draw my nipple out. For the first two or three weeks I used them on and off, but ended up with terribly cracked nipples so started using them full time. I found them great and they took all the stress and angst out of feeding for me. But I did find that the feeds took quite awhile with them. There was a point where I thought that we would be using them forever cos I couldn't imagine ever being able to feed without them. But at about 8 weeks I gradually started trying to wean from them and by the time we got to 12 weeks we'd stopped using them completely and DS was attaching himself easily. I would definately say give them a go, for me they made those first few weeks so much easier.

I also bought a range of different ones but did find the medela one that the hospital gave me the best. I looked everywhere to by another one, but couldn't find anywhere that stocked them. The Avent ones were also ok, but not as good as the medela ones. Oh and I found the pigeon ones crap. HTH