Need Advice from All Moms That Use Nipple Shield's.

E.,

I had to use a nipple shield with both of my children too. Don't worry! With my daughter who was born about 1 month early, I used it until she was about 6 months, and as her mouth got bigger and stronger at 6 months old, she then gradually got used to nursing without using a nipple shield. With my son, I think I used it for about 2-3 months. And even though my son was born almost full term, both of my children were under 6 lbs when they were born.

For me, E., I was grateful to God that an "invention" as a nipple shield existed because I truly wanted to brestfeed my children. My nipples were flat too, and we had complication with our baby not having enough sugar, etc. So once I found a nipple shield that fits me (the one they gave me from the hospital was still too big for my little ones), I was nursing them with joy! It was a "lifesaver" in my opinion! I just thought I wouldn't be able to breastfeed due to my anatomy, and I cried a lot struggling trying to nurse without the nipple shield because one lactation consultant made me feel really bad that I was using it....and saying that they won't EVER get used to my own breasts if I keep using the nipple shield.

Well, E., the lactation consultant was wrong, and in due time (when the baby is ready), they will get strong enough to latch onto you directly to nurse without the shields. So please don't worry how "long" it'll take for them to nurse without them. Just enjoy the time nursing your baby, and when your son is ready to latch onto you directly, he'll do it. And NO, your nipples won't get messed up! (hee-hee!) In fact, the nipple shield helped my nipples get elongated (as they should with nursing), so when my babies were ready, breastfeeding directly was an ease.

Sometimes, I think lactation consultants can be pushy about breastfeeding without any aid. But if that's what it takes to feed your baby, I say go ahead! I listened to myself, and I only cared that my babies were getting fed and gaining weight, and I stopped caring about how the breast milk was getting to them.

I hope my response helps! Hang in there and really enjoy your breastfeeding sessions with your little one. That YOUR very special moment with him.

I am nursing twins that came at 37 weeks. They are now 20 weeks old. I only stopped using the nipple guard 5-6 weeks ago. It took awhile and I was worried that they would always need the guard but they just needed time. Both are nursing now without it and my nipples are just fine. Never had cracking or bleeding. I would say, just stick with it and be patient. Best of luck to you!

E.,
Sounds like you've been through a lot to get this little guy -enjoy every minute with him. Just wanted to let you know that ALL women get their secondary milk (the creamy-looking white stuff) 72 hours after delivery (that's 3 days)- it wasn't your c-section. You actually have colostrum (the first milk) in your breasts, starting at 6 months of gestation - so it's in there.
As for the nipple shield, I suggest that you find another lactation consultant - an IBCLC (a certified one). If you live anywhere near the west San Fernando Valley, I strongly suggest Ellen "Binky" Petok; she worked wonders with me and finally got my son to actually nurse from my breast with no SNSystem (which you might want to try - it's a micro-sized tube that attaches to your bra - filled with breastmilk that is taped onto your breast - it supplies the baby with more fluid) or a breast shield. You will most likely need to work with someone for a few times to work this out.
I did use a nipple shield but was told to get off of it as soon as possible since it could prevent latching on. I would often pump for a few minutes to bring on a let-down and to pull my nipple out so that the little guy had something to latch on to.
Good luck.
J

I agree, call Binky, she's great. On her advice, I used a nipple shield until both my kids were several months old and after a couple attempts, they both told me when they were ready to give it up. If it works don't fix it and since they are babies, by definition, it's only temporary.

Good Luck,

T.