Nipple shields??

[Karennnnn]

What exactly are they and what do they do?
I'm wondering if they may help me out since I have sores on both of my nipples.. I thought they were for those with inverted nipples only but I have never really even thought about it until now.
Thoughts?

[geminimommy]

I was given nipple shields with my first because I had flat nipples and I feel like they contributed more to my sore cracked nipples than helped them. LC's really don't recommend them, unless absolutely necessary because they can cause trauma to the nipple and can affect supply.

Have you seen an LC yet to make sure it's not a latch issue or what about thrush?

[Nosy]

I used a nipple shield with my son for the first 6 weeks because he was tongue tied and couldn't latch any other way. Later I found out that it can reduce your supply because the babe can't suck as effectively with it on. I continued to have supply problems after he weaned off the nipple shield (took about a week) after getting his tongue clipped but I don't know that it was the nipple shield's fault. I wouldn't recommend because of the possible supply-reducing factor. Can you talk to a LC to look at the latch?

This just popped up in my new posts, so I thought I'd answer even though I don't have a June 05 baby. Congratulations to you!

[miababy]

I'm using them right now! they're a blessing.

Yes, they (LC's) do not like to use them but when really desperate & ready to switch to bottles??!!

We found out that, due to prophylactic antibiotics for c-section, the babe has thrush & my nipples have yeast.
This is wickedly painful w/bleeding cracks.

When the LC put one of those shields on me I wanted to cry from the relief...I can feed my baby until we heal & help the milk supple stay up w/Mother's Milk organic tea & pumping.

But already the supply has increased bc I'm not in agony, tensing up.

The pediatrician also recommended wine ;~) happy me. now.

Our boy did gain an ounce & a half & grew 1 cm during all this but it was torture for me. He's 9 days old.
My sons & husband felt so badly for us too.This shows them how to resolve painful issues. always a good lesson.

[honeybee1124]

If I would of know sooner...

If I would of know about these sooner it would of saved me a lot of trauma to my breasts. I suffered from acute mastitis in my left breast when my daughter was approx 6 weeks old (relapse @ 8 weeks, double). My nipples we so cracked and raw I got an infection and I felt like I was going to die. I was actually hospitalized.Anyhow, I continued to nurse DD. After I came home, my mother thought outloud "do they still make nipple shields??" We eventually found them and boy did they help. I would only wear it until my nipple was pulled enough that DD didnt have to. definately worth a try.