My dd is 7 months old now and we have had some problems as of late. I would have posted about this sooner but i haven't had internet.

I have a flat nipple and an i guess you would call it a 'normal' nipple. She was doing just fine with the two different nipples until December until she decided that she was done with the flat side. I kept offering that side to her before and after giving her her prefered side. For about two months that worked ok. But now she just flat out refuses it. And to make matters worse that side has now basically shut down. She has never been given a bottle and she never will but i am just worried that 'preffered' side will shut down too. it seems to be producing enough for her. she isn't obviously starving. and even at her 14 lbs her doctor isn;t worried. I just don't want the other side to shut down.. has anyone ever heard of this happening?

In theory you should be able to successfully nurse with just one side working.

I had similar problems, but DD never fully refused the one side, she and I are just more comfortable on one than the other.

I offered the less prefered side when she was sleepy and less likely to notice. If the supply seemed lower in that side, I would actually let her nurse on the "good" side for a little bit so that she wouldn't be ravenous and not getting a fast letdown, then when she had had some time I would switch over. I also pumped after she nursed to keep the supply up. Just the one side.

I would also try other positions. Football hold, sitting up. In a carrier. Sometimes moms say that baby will nurse in a carrier while they are walking around.

Do you have the ability to get to a LLL meeting or talk to a leader or LC? They might have some suggestions.

I've done this. You can nurse with a flat nipple..but it's alot of work and pain. I wore a shell between feeding and during pregnancy. I have also EBF for 14months on one side. My first two children (both nursed for a year) could hardly latch onto the one nipple, though I did try everything including pumping that side for years)

The funny thing is by the thrid baby...he was born severly tongue tied and My breasts were extremely large by that time (I couldn't close the latches on my 40EE bra yet HE was able to nurse well from both sides without having his tongue clipped. Alot of it has to do with nursing personality. Your baby may not feel like relearning how to latch and simply prefer the one now; and it might not be worth your time and trouble.

At 7 months I personally wouldn't bother. You'll just be lopsided until weaning.

If you are really determined I can give you some tips....I just have a diaper to deal with at the moment.