Nipple shields...

[Keira]

Hi

Does anyone use nipple shields? Is it worth getting them? Or are they generally used more for cracked sore nipples when BF?

TIA

[blue daisy]

nipple shields help with attachment issues when all other avenues have been exhausted...and they are only a temporary measure, and maternity hospital normally stock them if they are required

[*EmJa*]

i tried using them when i had DD but i ended up throwing them across the room in frustration as they just didnt work for me LOL, IMO i think its probably better to wait till bubs is born and see if u need them then!

[MantaRay]

I needed them for a couple of weeks with DS1 as he had a tongue-tie, but once that was snipped we didn't need them anymore. They can be a useful tool, but most of the time they are not necessary. I wouldn't even be thinking about them yet. Give yourself a chance to get the hang of bfing.

[Keira]

Aaahh i see! Thanks ladies for the advice! I thought it was more for a protection thing... but now i get it! So i'll wait until our girl arrives and get used to BFing first! Can't wait to try it!

[joralyd]

They gave them to me in the hospital as I had flat nipples and baby had a high pallet, they also slow down your milk flow and I ended up with not enough milk after a few weeks however I would recomend them for someone who had very cracked nipples but only for a few days at the most.

[Nadine216]

The hospital gave them to me, told me that with bub being so small, it would make it easier for her. I got lots of mixed reaction about using them. One dr told me its good, the next told me that bub use to much energy to get the milk out, one told me that it' down-right unnessesary and that I must get her off sucking on them. I tried, but by that time she was so used to them that she would not suck on me directly. I used them till I gave up when she was three months. I feel that they did not stimulate enough to keep my milk production up to par, so if I were you, I would first let her bf without shields and only use them when really, really nessesary like craked nipples - my opinion.
Good luck!!

[Lilly-Pilly]

It seems very common now for hospitals to give them out, most people i know have been given them is hospitals.
See how you go and if you have any trouble they're easily accessible

[Liviam]

I have been b/f with nipple shields since Day 3 due to inverted/flat nipples. Olivia and I have had no problems with using shields and we are still b/f today (nearly 5 months) and there is no sign of us stopping. They are a fantastic tool when you are unable to b/f due to your nipples. Without shields we would not be able to b/f. I have a great supply and have never not had enough milk for Olivia.

I would wait and see how you and your DD feed before using shields. If you are able to b/f without using a shield that is fantastic but keep them in mind if you do have problems.

Good Luck!