Nipple Shields

[vicwick]

Anyone used these??? As i have tried EVERYTHING and my nipples are still sore my LLL Leader has advised giving them a go, did they cause anyone problems, work for anyone, any advice welcome????

 

[Pyrrhic]

Do you express at all? I have only just managed to start BFing, and I found that because I had expressed everyday for 2 weeks that my nipples weren't as sore.

I used nipple shields for the second time today. NHS midwives won't recommend them unless absolutely necessary as they emulate a bottle teat more than a mothers nipple and they can cause nipple rejection. I'm being helped by a BFing counsellor, and I'm only going to be using he nipple shields for 72 hours and then we'll be weaning her off them so she doesn't become dependent.

To be honest though, I found my nipples more painful after using shields than not.

 

[vicwick]

I'm wondering if i should just perservere with the pain as Alfie is 6 weeks now and i'm hoping that it should right itself in the next 2 weeks hopefully!!!!! they are pretty sore tho and i dread the night feeds when i'm tired as it seems to hurt 10 times more!!!! I am expressing but can't really get a lot, maybe 3oz at a time and it takes me 1/2 hour, thats only from 1 breast too the other just doesn't produce anymore than 1/2 oz started to express every morning to see if i can encourage more.

My BF lady said this was a last resort as shes seen the pain i've been in over the 6 weeks but i really don't want to risk it all going wrong if i use nipple shields!! I just dunno what to do

 

[Pyrrhic]

Whats the pain from? Him nursing, or are they dry and cracked?

I've been told that BFing shouldn't hurt one the nipples are a bit tougher, and that if it is then it means they aren't latching properly.

What you're expressing is a lot! I express even 2 hours and only get 10mls at a time, so it take me about 4-6 hours to get 1oz.

I think if someone who knows your history is recommending shields then it might be worth a try. You need to be prepared for the fact that you may have to wean him off them though and get him to reaccept the nipple. However if it's a choice between giving up and shields, and you don't want to give up then try the shields.

I find shields hurt, but every breast is different so they may be easier for you.

 

[vicwick]

The pains from him nursing, they said either his mouth is too small for my nipples just now or he has a high pallet from his vontouse delivery but either way it should correct itself soon (soon feels like forever tho)

I have some lovely holes in my nipples!!!!!!!!!!!!!! OUCH

 

[Dizzy321]

I used them off the advise off breastfeeding advisor as he was not latching on properly due to my flat nipples they helped loads but i found them very fiddly!! x

 

[kellyharrison]

I used AVENT nipple shields for a week when my baby was 2 weeks old and shes latched back on great and my nipples no longer get sore after feeding without them for a week. Saved our bacon to be honest!

 

[KarenLV]

I used nipple shields for a few days after Skyler was born. Was a welcome relief! I am still breastfeeding....