Long term nipple shield use?

[danniellabella]

I used a shield for the whole time I BF my dd which was about 5 months (4.5 months full time, half a month part time due to returning to work).

If it is working and your bub is gaining weight then I don't see a problem with it. You can try now and then without the shield, even if you get bub to start on the shield and suck for a while to pull the nipples out, then take the shield off (messy and not easy). I think I only had success without the shield twice.

[Liviam]

I b/f my DD exclusively for 10 months with nipple shields and never had a problem with them. If it works for you then I say go for it.

[Sterla]

Thanks for all your replies ladies

Still not sure what I'm going to do. I think it's more that I feel I 'should' try without the nipple shield, but also don't see the point when everything is going so well with them. TBH, even the thought of trying without stresses me cause it upsets DS so much. I feel kind of like 'if it ain't broke don't fix it'. We have a check-up next week, so I might talk to the child health nurse about it then.

Thanks again for your replies. Knowing the options, and also hearing others successful long term use of NS helps .

[Miss E]

Hi Sterla,

I was just wondering how you're going now and if you're still using the NS. I'm also contemplating using the NS indefinately and would love to hear how it's working for you, or how making the change has gone.

I had it introduced in hospital because my nipples were inverted and he couldn't latch on. I managed to get them to come out and get him to feed from the nipple, but then ended up with horribly cracked bleeding nipples, even though our attachment looked really good to the LC. So I have brought back the NS a few days ago, initially just to let my nipples heal, but now I am thinking that maybe we should continue using it indefinately. I was dreading each feed before, but now I am actually beginning to enjoy BFing. And he seems to be sucking really well from it and getting what he needs ? he has lots and lots of wet and pooey nappies each day. He is going to be weighed on Thursday so I am interested to see if his weight gain has improved, because it was a little low when we were on the nipple.

[organicem]

Sterla
I used nipple shields with Bubble until I stopped breastfeeding at around 14months.
Sometimes I felt bad because others seemed to be able to feed without them, but Bubble gained enough weight and I had plenty of milk so really it no have a negative affects on her.

[Sterla]

Miss excited: I'm still using the NS full time. I haven't had any problems with them at all - my supply is still fine, and it has worked really well for me and DS. My first b/f goal is 6 months, and I am completely confident we'll make it to that.
Not long after I posted this thread I went to see a LC about trying to get DS off the NS. While we were at the appointment he fed for maybe a minute without the shield, but once at home I couldn't get him to do it again. DS is just too used to the NS now and actually screws up his face when I offer him just my nipple .

Having said all this, I do understand why we're often warned about not using them full time. Using NS can affect your supply - it's usually about 3 months when you can tell if this is the case, because before then milk production is hormone driven... after that it becomes about supply and demand with your baby. I didn't have any problems, but it can be a problem, so that's something to be aware of.

Because your bub is still so young, if you can feed without the NS it would be great for you to do (and easier). I left it so long that DS got used to the NS and now refuses to feed without it. I'm okay with that, but I know for next bub I really want to try without the NS. If you need more help with attachment, get in contact with a LC - they can work wonders!

At the end of the day, it's really all up to you though. Just do what feels right for you and your bub.

Hope that helps .

[Sterla]

Organicem: That's great! It's really good to hear success stories with NS, cause I'd love to make it to at least 12 months... so if I can go longer that's even better .

[~Saram~]

Hi,

I used nipple sheilds for 9mths with DS. we tried numerous times to wean off them but he just wouldn't latch so around 6mths I gave up trying to wean and just figured we would always use them. miraculously at 9mth I was getting organised and he just grabbed my boob and latched on. It took us a couple of weeks to get the hang of it but we went on to feed until 2yrs

With DD I used sheilds for about 3 weeks on one breast and about 12 wks on the other breast.

BTW - never had a supply problem. I got really sick of people telling me my milk would dry up and how horrible sheilds were. I get that it's better without them but hey if it's working...

Oh I aso used to allow DS some time after the feed, when he was sleeping where I would take the shield off and let him have some skin to skin contact as I heard this helps with the immunilogical benefits??? Not sure how much truth there is in that though.

Good luck!