Gracie, nipple shields IMO, do not deserve their reputation. They can be life savers. They were for me. The reason caution is recommended is that IN SOME CASES they can lead to reduced supply. This is because the nipple is not getting the direct stimulation of skin on skin. I did not have this problem - while I was using them Jack put on twice the average weight gain every week. You sound like your feeding is going well and bub is gaining weight so I would not be too worried. A long feed could just be comfort sucking, or a one off thing. Also, as you say, nipple damage can occur from the baby sucking harder to get the milk. Again, that is not a given.

I did find the nipple shields a nuisance however, so I was glad that I no longer needed them all the time after 3 weeks (when the tongue-tie was snipped) and then was able to stop using them totally by 6 weeks. Depending on the reason you needed the shields, I imagine that you would not need to use them forever, although I know of women who have with no problems. Usually once the bub's mouth gets bigger it is easier for them to attach. Are you trying to attach without them first for at least one feed a day? If you would like to stop needing them then you could try doing that - once a day, or every second feed, or all daytime feeds. Often after a few tries the baby will be able to attach without one when they are alert, and then once they can do that, with a bit more practice they can do it all the time. GL Gracie, it will all get easier sweetie.