Nipple Shield.
Changed my life. And Maryanne's.
On Tuesday, one of my friends from childbirth class suggested I try a nipple shield to try to help Maryanne stay latched (her baby had the same issue of not wanting to stay latched). I went and bought one yesterday.
Um. Why didn't I try this before?!?!?!
We have been using it for feedings ever since I got home from Target with this blessed piece of plastic, and since midnight, she has taken the bulk of her feedings right from the breast, with only a few ounces of milk from a bottle over night, and none from the bottle since 8am this morning.
It's amazing!! After all this time (as if almost one month is alot of time), I can't believe we actually might get the breastfeeding thing down. I thought for sure ours was a lost cause! I hope it continues to go as well as it's gone today...
I know that alot of literature says that nipple shields shouldn't be a permanent solution, but from what I've read, it is more desirable to have a baby breastfeed with a nipple shield than not at all. (Not sure if "they" assume the alternative is formula, which in our case it wouldn't be since I have pumped milk.) Speaking of pumping, I haven't been pumping as much in the last 24 hours because I want there to be milk in the source when she tries to feed, so I don't have as much pumped milk in the fridge. I guess I shouldn't be too worried since it seems like she is getting enough from breastfeeding (wet/dirty diapers have remained steady, and she doesn't seem hungry after feeding)? It is kind of a paradigm shift from even 3 days ago when I pumped her entire diet!
7 comments:
I have been using a nipple shield since day one and it is a lifesaver! So glad its working for you too!
I was given one in the hospital and honestly, I couldn't breastfeed without it! 7 weeks later and we are still using it! I'm so glad you found that it works for you guys!
Awe yay! Glad it's going better for you.
I am glad you found something that works for you! :) I used a nipple shield for a week or so, but unfortunately it gave me mastitis. :-/ The milk was pooling in the tip and one of my ducts became clogged and infected. I miss it so much but I can't use it anymore because I am more likely to get another infection since I've had one once already.
Love the picture of your little girl! Congrats again!!
I am SO glad the shield is working for you!
so glad that things are going better! I have heard of other bloggers that used the nipple shield and eventually didn't need it anymore...(trinity from 3 is a magic number is one that I remember).
I know I'm crazy late commenting here, but tonight's my night for getting all caught up! Just wanted to say that the nipple shield saved my breastfeeding experience, too. I also thought it would be temporary, but I had to use it ALL the way through until I weaned my daughter at age one. It became a bit of a hassle later (just keeping up with it and making sure I always had a clean one handy -- I went ahead and purchased a second one), but I was grateful for it!
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