Why can't I make this work?? :(

After my little woohoo about finally getting a painless good shield free feed, it's been downhill.

I just can't seem to get feeding her without the shields right. I keep going over and over the steps of attaching her and it still doesn't seem to work. My nipples are starting to get worse again and She is getting more unsettled. She isn't as content when she comes off and doesn't go as long between feeds. Normally after feeding she is milk drunk and content. Without the shield she is grizzly and awake. Would she be getting less?

I don't know what to do! Do I keep going with the shields until she's older and her palate has changed? Keep persevering?

:wall: am I inept in some way!!!

*massive hugs* i have no experience with shields... but can you just start the feed with it and take it off half way through? and you can still try a breast crawl... try before she is really hungry and strip yourselves both right down and just let her explore your chest. it cant hurt.

i really hope it sorts out. *hugs*

how long have you been feeding with the shields for?

5 weeks. She had damaged me so bad originally that the ob and LC said to stay on them.

I want to try the crawl..just scared. Guess like you said, can't be any worse!

My DD used nipple shields for 5 months, so don't feel disheartened if you need to go back to them for a bit :hug:

Have you had her checked by a chiro or osteo at all for any spine/jaw/neck issues that may be causing some of her problems? This was the issue with my DD, we took her to see a sacro occipital technique chiropractor (they do NOT do cracking or major adjustments) and it helped amazingly. Something to think about if you think she may be struggling, she may need her palate looked at or something similar. You're doing an amazing job, I know how stressful it is.

She could be going through a growth spurt (6 weeks) or a wonder week. L is very unsettled and is nursing alot more these past few days and he's 5.5 weeks. Just another thought?

Aww, massive :hugs: . You're not inept, I had the same feelings when ds wouldn't attach as soon as my milk came in. I expressed for three weeks and bottle fed him, because he chose not to get on the boob. I would try to perservere, keep going with the shield, but perhaps before she gets too agro at being hungry and not attaching, try, even maybe just a couple of times, without the shield. I have used a shield, and I think its actually more difficult to go for good attachment with a shield on. I'm guessing the LC has gone through and shown you how to (try) and get proper attachment (without the shield)?

:hug: Little_O.
Were things working with the shields? If so, the worst thing that can happen is that you'll be using them for a long time.
I take it there's an issue with her palate that's causing problems and you're under the care of an LC already, yes? Why not go back to what works for now, and try again a bit later.

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Aww, massive :hugs: . You're not inept, I had the same feelings when ds wouldn't attach as soon as my milk came in. I expressed for three weeks and bottle fed him, because he chose not to get on the boob. I would try to perservere, keep going with the shield, but perhaps before she gets too agro at being hungry and not attaching, try, even maybe just a couple of times, without the shield. I have used a shield, and I think its actually more difficult to go for good attachment with a shield on. I'm guessing the LC has gone through and shown you how to (try) and get proper attachment (without the shield)?

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Yeah they have all been through it many times, no one can seem to find what exactly is wrong. It all looks good, just doesn't feel good. I'm thinking I'll just occasionally try without do at least she doesn't forget what it's meant to be like.

It sounds similar to ds. Everything seemed right, it just wasn't working (similar, but without the damage). I'm glad that the LC is doing all they can to assist. In the end, you really are doing all you can, and it is excellent that your dd is getting what she needs. Even, unfortunately if its not exactly how you want it to happen. I certainly don't mean that to sound like a "be grateful" thing, far from it, so please please don't read it like that. :hug: Emotionally, trying to bf our children is really hard, forget it just being a physical thing.

Pm me if you ever need to. Huge, huge :hug: