Nipple Shields ?

[Abigail8673]

I have a premmie, born 35 weeks, hes now home and our of hosptial because hes been breastfeeding since birth and doing so well all because ive been using a nipple shield. First few days were so rough and he was losing wayy to much weight so nurse in NICU got me a shield, he latchs on perfectly and eats a ton and hes doing great but ive heard sooo many things about shields, they are bad etc, but i have flat nipples and hes a premmie. my opinion is that if it works it works and if this is something long term its still better then formula. any other moms use one? or have advice?

 

[MummyMana]

I wish I'd known about nipple Shields when Imogen was born, from what I've read about them they could've meant I could've breastfed... I think if they're helping you to breastfeed stick with it when he's bigger and stronger you could try getting him to latch without it but if its helping for now I don't see the problem

 

[25weeker]

I used them at the beginning otherwise wouldn't have been able to feed. Started weaning my daughter off them about 6 weeks corrected. They didn't have any impact on my supply

 

[myra]

I've been using them for 3 weeks with my little one and he feeds really well with them. I've tried without the shield a few times to see what he would do. He'll fed for maybe a minute and then gets frustrated. Once I put the shield back on, he is very happy and goes back to being a great eater. The nurse recommended letting him try off the shield for short periods of time like that and eventually he'll go for longer stretches. I highly recommend them.

 

[Foogirl]

I was sooo against using a nipple shield. But was very glad I did. Without them we could not have fed. Regardless of what you've heard, they are working for you so I'd just go with it. I weaned Abby off them after about a month, only because I found it such a faff to always have them sterilized and ready. If you are happy to use them, just ignore what anyone says.