The battle of the breast shield...

Has anyone had any success getting off the shield and on to the nip?

We started on the shield as DS couldn't attach. We have since had a few feeds off the shield so I know he CAN feed properly without it. It's much nicer on the nipple for both of us... how can he not know that.
He attaches much better straight on the nipple anyway, much better suction and he feeds great. But he just fights and screams and most times its much to upsetting to try and get him on.
BUT then if he does go on, he has a lovely long feed, I can only assume it's nice for him too, when he comes off or needs to swap boobs he refuses to take the nipple again!!!

I am desperate to get him off the shield... I HATE IT!!!

I used nipple shields for about 3 weeks or so with ds1. I remember being in a relaxing warm bath with him and he suddenly attached without the shield and I never used it again. Maybe try in the bath?

Thanx hun... The first time he attached just to me was straight after a bath together. When I tried to re-enact that it was a no go!
I shall try it when we are actually in the bath!

I used them for about 7 weeks, but would generally try 1 feed per day without to see if it was getting any better. I don't think DS really had a preference, to be honest, so can't offer any helpful advice sorry.
I'm sure it'll get better with time :hug:

The LC told me to use it for the first part of the feed then take it off. J never did it but maybe W will.

Hun, it might depend on the reason why he is having trouble without the shields. Has he been checked for tongue-tie or high palate? It might also be something that changing position could help. I've watched DVDs where babies are fighting the breast - punching and wriggling their legs when in the cradle hold, and then calmly attach when mum is in the laid back position (reclined) with the baby lengthwise or diagonally across her tummy and chest. There are some clips of this position that might help you - Biological Nurturing sample scenario and Baby Led Mother Guided Started Upright Left Breast, Latches.

Otherwise it might just be a matter of time. Sometimes babies just need to be a bit bigger. I agree with trying one feed per day without, preferably when he's at his calmest - maybe at the very first hunger cue (bobbing head, sucking hand), well before crying which is a late hunger cue. Even trying him skin to skin on your chest before he's showing any signs of hunger and letting him move to the breast when he's ready might help (baby led attachment). If that doesn't work, then maybe try pulling the shield off partway through a feed as a PP suggested and see if that helps.

All the best hun.

Thank you... Yeah we've tried it all :(
I do think it's just a time thing. He has been checked for everything.
He has a pretty small mouth and doesn't poke his tongue out ever so I'm hoping when he is a bit bigger he will take it better :)