An ACTUAL question about breastfeeding

[LoriBee]

See what I did there?

Anyways,
I had a hard time breastfeeding my son. The lactation consultant was completely useless and I believe did more harm than good. My milk barely came in and I had to stop at 8weeks

My question is about nipple shields. Part of the issue is I have big breasts (like massive) and I have a flat nipple on one side. So I'm wondering if nipple shields would be a good option.  Medela makes some great ones from what I read they don't cause the issues with supply that thicker nipple shields do since they're made of a thin silicone.  

Thoughts?

[coachsymons]

They gave me a shield in the hospital bc I had inverted nipples. It helped me but my supply basically dwindled. Not bc of them tho, bfing just didn't work for me. :(

[mrs_farris]

That's awful,  most LCs are not like that. Medela contact shields have an area where the baby can still come in contact with your breast. Having you express into a spoon is a common practice,  but she shouldn't have given up on you.

[LoriBee]

She was honestly terrible. I think she was the biggest reason I was so discouraged.  She cut the top of a syringe off and put the plunger in it then made me put my nipple in the other side then would pull the plunger. When it didn't work she had me express colostrum onto a spoon and made me spoon feed my son then she told me to just get a pump.

[Boxermombrooks]

My first thought when reading your post was that you need a better lactation consultant! I would find a la leche league or another breast feeding support group in your area. I would try going to some meetings now to get comfortable in the setting and also to get all the good advise.  Support groups like this are very beneficial if you're at all worried.  Also remember not to get discouraged because all babies are different and you may not have any issues with this one at all. Try to stay positive and hopeful because a big reason your milk flow slows is because your mind is in the wrong place. Mind over matter. Of course there are many physical things that can go wrong but the probability is extremely low. I had this really awesome list of empowering breast feeding mantra type things that really helped me and I can't seem to find it. In the beginning it's not easy but sticking to your guns is the only way to be successful and get all the support you can now to prep for the day your baby arrives.  

[LoriBee]

Congratulations on your baby!

Like I said before I heard the medela ones don't have the same issues with supply because they're supposedly thin enough that the nipple gets stimulated enough for the supply to get established.  

I read on another forum that a woman used them for a whole year of nursing.  She'd pump after nursing to make sure she was empty (prevents mastitis)

I'm 16w today so I have a ton of time left at this point I'm thinking of packing my pump and some shields in my hospital bag.

I still can't believe how different I'm looking at preparing for baby number 2 compared to how I prepared for my son

[mckaylas_momma1018]

I gave birth on Wednesday and had problems with nursing... ended up giving my baby a bottle so she didn't have to go to the NICU because of my gestational diabetes and low blood sugar issues with her... the lactation consultant had just left for the day by the time I delivered and didn't come back until 8:30am... I knew I needed a nipple shield because I have inverted nipples-- had to use it with my first daughter... I personally like them... it makes it so when my daughter latches and suckles it isnt uncomfortable (I hate my nipples messed with) and I don't get raw, chafed, or start to bleed... my baby is a little lazy amlnd gets really mad when she is hungry and wont latch at that point-- so I have to pump and then bottlefeed a little and then latch her... the lactation consultant said it messes with your supply later after a few months-- so they are a great tool to start with but you don't want to continue using them, especially if you dont need it... as far as supply issues- I had the same problem the first time around and had to start supplementing at 6 weeks and stopped altogether when my 1st was 4 months.... this time around I want to go longer (especially since it helps lose weight)... you jist want to make sure your fully hydrated- like all the time, are eating a healthy and well balanced diet, get rest (when possible), and make sure baby is latching-- since they tell your body how much it needs to produce

[shawna3]

I have inverted nipples so I use a nipple shield but I only use it to get baby to latch and suck for a couple minutes then take it off and have baby latch to the nipple. Good luck

[mrs_farris]

If your hospital or city has a lactation store i recommend going to that. The people who work there can fit you for one.

[LoriBee]

OK I'm still confused but I have a lot of time to work through it. Thanks for your patience

[mrs_farris]

The part of your breast pump that is attached to your breast is the flange, your shield should be roughly the same size.

[LoriBee]

Ugh I have been looking at breast stuff all day... I'm so confused...  

Nipple shields and nipple formers I don't know what to start with.  

[LoriBee]

Flange meaning the narrow part of the breast shield right?

[mrs_farris]

It should be about the same size as your flange.

[LoriBee]

I had such a hard time getting him to nurse by night 2 he was getting formula at night

[lgreen6201]

I used a nipple shield in the hospital with my first because I was having trouble getting him to latch on.  Didn't need it any more by the time we went home, and never needed it with my daughter.  

[kennimae]

I had both nipples inverted so its not entirely the same thing but i pumped for a minute or so until the nipple was out and had the taste of milk for her to latch on.

I had a friend that used a nipple shield and she liked it but then got frustrated because baby wouldnt eat without it then and she fed for almost a year.

[LoriBee]

I have a breast pump as well which I can use after nursing for that reason.

How do I know what size to use?

[mrs_farris]

I'm a lactation consultant in training.  Nipple shields are a great tool for mothers with flat, or inverted nipples. They help the baby to latch.  Make sure that you apply them correctly,  because an incorrectly placed shield can cause nipple damage. Another thing to look out for is your breast not emptying completely.  Make sure to check for fullness after a feeding, and remove what is left to prevent mastitis. Good luck, if you need more advice feel free to contact me, and also look for a board certified LC (you may have better luck)

[LoriBee]

Not truly inverted my right nipple just doesn't pop up as well. It's mostly flat with the tiniest nub

I'm learning all new reasons why I was wrong or misled with breastfeeding my son. The lactation consultant had no decent advice for me and my mom didn't breastfeed us (she had supply issues as well) and I guess I didn't do specific enough research

[Schmalzy]

I don't know much about them but I am going to use them.  My sister used them and she said they worked great. . Easier for them to latch and your nipples don't get as cracked.  

[kennimae]

Flat as inverted or what do you mean?