Nipple Shields?

Question

I’ve never breastfed and am hearing about nipple shields helping make it easier and less cracking (which I’m so nervous about!). What are your thoughts? Pros/cons?

Answer

I would only use it if the baby couldn’t latch normally because it sucks. It spills milk everywhere pops off randomly. You have to use two hands to put it on. So forget using it in public without flashing the whole store. You have to clean it all the time cuz it gets nasty, you can’t forget it because then the baby can’t eat. No fun! But a life saver if your baby can’t latch normally:)

Answer

I would only recommend it for latch issues if you really need it. It did not affect the cracking or bleeding for me but it did help with pain from incorrect latch with my first. Unfortunately he got very used to it and had a hard time learning to latch without it and it contributed to several cases of mastitis for me. With my second I didnt use it and had about the same amount of cracking and bleeding as the first time.

Answer

It saved me! I used it for about 3-4 months after that I weaned him off the nipple shield and he latched on properly

Answer

I use a nipple shield due to having flat nipples. Seems silly to use it just because your nipples hurt, as they are a little inconvenient. With that being said, I have never had sore nipples. 
There isn’t really a con. I never weaned my daughter off of it. She gains weight just fine and she won’t latch without it. The pediatrician said to just do what works. 🤷🏼‍♀️ She is 7 months old and we have used it since day 2.

Answer

They aren’t supposed to be for long term use. Baby can get used to it and not want to latch without it, among other things

Answer

Nipple shields should be used as a last result before switching to a bottle. They are great for babies who cannot latch properly or do not latch all, as a temporary aid. You need to wean them off the shield as soon as possible because the longer the use it the more difficult/ impossible it will be to teach them to latch onto your real nipple.
The reason you should wean them off in the first place is because they get less milk with a nipple shield than if they were latching onto your real nipple.

Answer

They are a complete shit show. Don't bother with them unless you have actual latch issues, and even then, go to a lactation consultant and see what they recommend. Long term, they can decrease your supply, and short term they are messy, awkward, and inconvenient.

Answer

I’m using it currently since he was born because of my nipples being a bit flat and it made it difficult for him to latch on. So, it helps me tremendously but I’m working on transit him to latch on my real ones instead of that. It is hard but it takes the time. No need to rush my son through it. I do what’s the best for him and if he still latches on the nipple shield for so long, it’s ok as long as he is well fed. Anyways, no cracking or bleeding like that from my experience so far but there’s a bit of pain from the hard latching sometimes, lol

Answer

Honestly I didn’t use it, but the first week of breastfeeding is HELL but after that you don’t feel a thing, it won’t hurt after that. I been breastfeeding for 6 months now and I love it

Answer

I didn't use a nipple shield but think about how you'd have to clean that everytime and you'll have to have it everywhere you go because baby will be used to it. I did have bleeding but it only lasted two weeks and it was such an easier route. Still going strong at 15 months.

Nipple Shields?

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