nipple shields

[30Poppy]

hi

my baby is 4 days old but very lazy about latching on and feeding. i have bought some medela nipple shields but think they may be too small and wondered if anyone can help tell me what they should be like? they basically just sit proud of my nipple so when baby sucks it extends the whole length and is painful. shouldn't the nipple already completely fill the nipple teat rather than be extended through it?

 

[NurseSooz]

When i used them I put mine on like a condom - squeeze the air out the teat. I would then fill it with milk by expressing into it. I found the best ones were the boots own ones. When baby sucks it should suck the nipple right into the teat. It is still a pretty strong suck even with the shields on. I still had some pain when wearing them.

 

[Mrs HM]

I had a really bad infection in both nipples and was told to use shields to protect them for a while, but I found them really strange (as you described) and feeding was still painful so I just carried on as before. My LO couldn't really feed through them either as by that stage, it was maybe 6months in, he was used to just the boob! Is your LO ok with the shield?

Hopefully someone else can help you more.

 

[Calif]

Try to find a video on YouTube. The nipple should get pulled in but not all the way. Make sure the baby is latched on! Not sucking on the nipple part only. Wait for baby to open his mouth wide, and latch.
What size are you using?

 

[30Poppy]

I've tried medium and large today but my nipples are ruined! so incredibly sore and i can't face using them again but really want to bf but don't know what to do. my breast are so full and hard and worried getting infection. i hand expressed about 10ml today as manual pump was too painful also. what do i do?

 

[Calif]

I would book an appointment with a lactation consultant and also rent a double electric pump to get you through this tough time while figuring things out. Don't give up. Take some ibuprofen and if you have to supplement, don't beat yourself up and you can always remove the supplement when things get figured out.