How long to use nipple shields for?

[adorableangel]

As perviously mentioned in other threads during the last 2 weeks I've had great trouble trying to feed my DD without both of us in tears. I've been using nipple shields with her now (on both sides) for the past 2 days and they have been a heaven sent... she is feeding well and is content after her feeds now.

However I've heard/read that you shouldn't use them for too long as they reduce your supply. So I've been starting her off with the shields then taking them off during her feed, she continues (sometimes) to feed without any fuss.

If you used these shields how long did you use them for? Is it possible to use them the entire time you breast feed. I was considering solely pumping but now these are the better option :).

Any feedback/advice will be fantastic :yelclap: thanks:flowerz:

[TeamAwesome]

ok I used them with my first for three months then he flicked them off himself, my GP told me that was about normal. (I didn't need them with my next two either btw in case you were wondering.)

I had a few experts tell me not to use them giving varied reasons including lack of supply though I personally had an abundance, that it would interfere etc and if I had listened I would never have breastfed my son and most likely would not have fed my girls (and DD2 is still BF at 16mo:yes:)

If it's working for you, you seem much relieved (as I was) to be able to feed with out the tears and fussing just do it, it won't be for long and once she's bigger she should be able to attach herself without them.:D

Good luck sending you bunches of hugs!!:hugs::flowerz:

[adorableangel]

Thank you for your kind words and help :yelclap:. If I have any more questions I might track you down if that is ok?:thumbsup:

[demeter]

If you used these shields how long did you use them for? Is it possible to use them the entire time you breast feed. I was considering solely pumping but now these are the better option :)Sounds like a good idea to me!

I used mine for 8 weeks, you may find you need them less over time and might end up not using them in the end :) If supply becomes an issue, there are things you can do, but if nipple shields at every feed are going to make BFing smooth sailing for you and bubs now go for it.

[TeamAwesome]

Thank you for your kind words and help :yelclap:. If I have any more questions I might track you down if that is ok?:thumbsup:

No worries, we all need some support, encouragement and hope in these kinds of situations, just glad I have my own experience that I can help with it.:goodvibes:

As demeter said there are things you can do for supply etc, my GP never mentioned them to me until after I had stopped using them and was nothing but supportive so I think that helped me. :thumbsup:

[naebie]

My DD is 4 months, and we still use them for every feed! I have had absolutely no supply issues, in fact I have an abundance of milk! I went a week or so of solely expressing, using the shields is a much better option, in my opinion! Less fussing around, which makes life so much easier- especially for night feeds!
Plus- apparently exclusively pumping can cause supply to dwindle, whereas with shields baby is still stimulating the breast. According to my LC, it was more the old style shields that impacted supply, the modern silicone ones are much better!
We tried to wean off the shield at about 8 weeks, but DD just wouldn't attach without them, or she'd go on and pull off screaming after a few minutes- And when she would attach I ended up with sore nipples again. So, because DD was putting on weight, having 5+ wet nappies, etc, the CHN said to just keep on using the shields!