If so, how do you get the baby to latch after they get used to the shield?? I have been using the shield since he was a couple days old because I was really badly engorged and he couldnt latch on. I went to the doctor last night and I am now on antibiotics for mastitis and I have been draining both breasts so they are not so hard.
I have heard of people cutting off the end of the shield gradually but then again I read that that can irritate the baby's mouth. I don't want to cut it if I don't have to because I only have one and I don't want to be so dependant on it that I have to buy more. Breastfeeding is supposed to be cheap!!!
I don't want to have to go back to the hospital and tell them they didn't help me and they are not supportive enough, but it's not like I have a ton of support here. I plan on taking a day and just working all day on trying to get him to latch no matter how stressed I get but I need some ideas. He is 16 days old and gaining weight really well.
2007-03-16 16:55:23 · 6 answers · asked by MyOpinionMatters 4 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Newborn & Baby
I used a nipple shield when I started breastfeeding-- the lactation consultant at hospital gave me one to help my daughter latch on. She would suck, and occasionally get a good latch, but I needed the nipple shield in the beginning for every feeding. I have smaller nipples, so the shield also gave baby a more substantial nipple to get a hold on.
I eventually (2-3 weeks) was able to start feeding with the shield and than remove it quickly once baby had gotten started sucking. After about a month and a half, I only used it when I fed her at night to help guide the nipple to her mouth in the dark or when I would feed her in bed and couldn't see well.
Baby's now 3.5 months and the nipple shield is no longer used (at least 1 month without it). I find that if she has trouble latching on, I need to do one of two things: express some milk from directly behind the nipple if I'm engorged, or roll and pinch the nipple to get it erect before placing it in her mouth.
Good luck, and don't be afraid to call the lactation consultants and say they aren't helping you enough. Maybe you need a different gal with a different personality or technique. The first nurse who tried to get me to nurse my daughter was a real witch-- we called her the Nursing Nazi!
2007-03-16 17:28:31 · answer #1 · answered by dreemac 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
As soon as possible get ahold of a Lactation consultant. Or you can call a La Leche League Leader.
Weaning a baby from a nipple shield can be a lengthy process. Your gentle patience and persistence will help you teach your baby to breastfeed without the shield.
Nipple shields are not generally recommended these days. They can cause nipple confusion in the same way a bottle can. They also reduce the amount of stimulation the breast receives which reduces milk production, and the shield itself reduces the amount of milk that the baby ingests. One study reported a 29% decrease in milk intake when using the thin latex shield, 58% with the old rubber shield. Nipple shields can also affect the flow of milk through the breast and put a woman at risk for plugged ducts and mastitis, and may harbor yeast as well.
Generally cutting the sheild back is not reccomended anymore, the silicone that they are made of can cut the inside of their mouth.
When you first try to latch your baby on without the shield you might try drawing your nipples out with a pump or hand expressing before latching your baby on. Eventually the baby will become accustomed to the real thing, and the shield can be discarded. This may be a lengthy process! You may also want to consider the possibility of using a feeding tube at the breast to encourage your baby to suckle without the nipple shield.
In the meantime spend a lot of time with the baby skin to skin, snuggling with him in bed or in the tub. With him dressed just in his diaper and you with nothing on above the waist, he may nuzzle and latch on to the breast on his own, especially if you take him into bed with you at night.
Are you using a pacifier? This just reinforces his familiarity with an artificial nipple, so get rid of the pacifier first thing. Let him suck on your finger to get him used to the feel and taste of skin, rather than latex or silicone.
Keep trying it is possible.
2007-03-17 00:35:37 · answer #2 · answered by Carla R 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Contact your local la leche league, or the lactation consultant at your hospital. Ditch the shield. Your nipples may hurt for a bit, but not forever. The lansinoh helps wonderfully with that. It might help to press in on your areolas with your fingertips before you feed so your baby can get a good latch on. Remember to relax, your milk will flow easier when you do. I had a helluva time for a while, then it became all smooth sailing. It is cheaper and much better for both you and the baby than formula. Good luck and congratulations.
2007-03-17 01:55:55 · answer #3 · answered by manywarhoops 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You need to consult with lactation consultant. Usually the hospital has one that will offer their advice and suggestions for free. They will show you different postions to hold the baby so you both might be more comfortable and relaxed and make the process easier. I also had a shield but my baby never did get the hang of things. You need to be especially careful with the shield as they can cause permanent damage if not used properly. That is something else you need to ask the consultant about.
2007-03-17 00:20:00 · answer #4 · answered by loudmouth 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
have you tried getting your baby to latch on without it yet? i used one because i have flat nipples, it was used to raise it so that my baby could latch on. for your problem though, once the engorgement is gone you should be able to get your baby to latch on. i think your best bet is to do what you said, devote a whole day to getting him latched on. a lactation consultant may be able to help you, from my understanding they will come to your house to help you for free, look up the local La Leche League in your area.
2007-03-17 00:03:51 · answer #5 · answered by krystal 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Be as relaxed as possible because child feels tension. Pinch nipple until its fully erect, rub babies lips around nipple, and cup breast and hold babies head to breast. Inserting nipple into babies mouth lightly squeeze breast.
2007-03-17 00:02:40 · answer #6 · answered by manny 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋