nipple shield fot flat nipples: how long is ok?

[dakotaEleanor]

So i have inverted nipples, I've been using a nipple shield to nurse since the hospital for my daughter who is 4 weeks today. I've worked with lactation specialists and dealt with low supply in the beginning. Now my supply is fine and she is gaining but she has a really difficult time latching without the shield because my nipples just don't stay out. I've heard mixed things about long term shield use and that it can affect milk supply. Have any of you ladies used a shield long term for flat nipples? Did it have any negative affects?

[pek64]

I don't normally admit this, but I used a shield for the entire time we nursed -- 2 years. They need to be replaced, as they do wear out. And I needed to be patient and give my son plenty of time to nurse, as it took a suck-suck-swallow instead of the usual suck-swallow, when nursing. It is doable. Keep offering without the shield, though, on occasion. My son latched on once, but his father yelled and startled him, so he would never do it again. He was three months old. Maybe you'll have better luck.

[fairydustpink89]

I'm still using mine and my baby's 4 months old. I'm using mine for flat nipples also. I'd say you can quit when your nipples stay out? That's what I planned on doing, but I have "stubborn flatties" as my consultant said. My consultant tried every trick on me and none of them worked.

My baby tries so hard to latch on without the shield, but can't and then fights against me when I put the shield on. Just keep trying without the shield so she doesn't get used to it. My baby's used to it and has figured out that all he has to do is "gum" it just right and it fills up, so all he has to do it drink, gum, fill it, drink, repeat. Sometimes they're too smart for their own good.