painful nursing / nipple shields

[crisna120]

I have a 3 1/2 week old little boy who I am nursing exclusively. I have had extremely painful nursing sessions, along with very tender, raw nipples when I am not nursing. Two LCs said my latch looks fine, besides my son's bottom lip which sometimes tucks in. I used the Lanolin after every feeding and they weren't getting any better. The LC recommended using a shield for a day to let my nipples heal, and I haven't stopped using them since (that was about 2 weeks ago). Now my son prefers them, and so do I because the pain is bearable when using them. Every time I try to nurse without them, it is SO painful and we get frustrated, which lead to him coming off and on the breast, which leads to poor latch ons and MORE pain. My supply is GREAT, so that hasn't been a problem with the shields, but they are very inconvienient when nursing in public and I don't want to use them forever. I have started to wonder if yeast is my problem because the pain is getting unbearable when I don't use the shields, and when I do the initial latch is super painful. I am starting to treat for it just in case. Has anyone used the shield for a long period of time and successfully weaned off of it? Any suggestions?

[fell4myfallbaby]

never used them. it does hurt for a while until your nips get used to it.....so maybe they just need to get used to it or you are right and need to get checked for a yeast problem. but maybe this will bump it up and somebody else will have real help.

[Bumpy]

I used a shield from the the 3rd day all the way to 6 months, when she weaned herself. I could have done it sooner if I was looking for the signs that she didn't need it. she would bruise me sooooo bad, even though she had a correct latch according to the LC. If he is not ready and you are not ready, give it time. I weaned my dd by starting with the shield and after a little while I would take it off and she would latch just fine. but we had to start with the shield. I decreased the time that I had the sheild on. I hope this helps.

[crisna120]

Thanks for the replies! It gives me hope to hear that someone else used them successfully for a long period of time. Nobody I've talked to seems to know much about them. Thanks again!

[Amy_G_]

http://www.kellymom.com/bf/concerns/baby/wean-shield.html
info on nipple shields

You need to re-evaluate your latch. Often you can correct little things at home on your own that will help more than an "outside" person looking on. You also need to talk with a different LC to evaluate your use of nipple shield and how to wean off them and get the nursing working the right way with no pain.

treating for thrush without signs of thrush is not really a good idea, but not really harmful. Signs and Symptoms

In mother:

intense nipple or breast pain that occurs from birth, lasts throughout the feeding, or is not improved with better latch-on and positioning
sudden onset of nipple pain after a period of pain-free nursing
cracked nipples
nipples that are itchy and/or burning and that may appear pink or red, shiny, or flaky and/or have a rash and tiny blisters; nipples may also appear normal
shooting pains in the breast during or after a feeding if the yeast has invaded the milk ducts
nipple or breast pain with correct use of an automatic electric breastpump
a vaginal yeast infection
In baby:


diaper rash that does not respond to typical rash ointments
creamy white patches that cannot be wiped off on the inside of the mouth, along the inside of the gums, inside of the cheeks, roof of mouth, throat, or tongue
a shiny or "mother of pearl" look on the inside of the mouth
breast refusal, pulling off breast, or a reluctance to nurse due to mouth soreness
repeated clicking during nursing
excessive gassiness due to the yeast's invasion of the gut
The baby may also be without visible symptoms.


If latching hurts any time that baby latches on, baby's latch may not be right. Some babies do not improve on their latch with a nipple shield because the shield doesn't stretch and conform to the mouth the way the human nipple does. so long term use MAY cause a sloppier latch rather than a better latch.

check out the resources for latching at kellymom
http://www.kellymom.com/bf/start/basics/latch-resources.html

[Nipple_nectar]

My DD and I weaned from a nipple shield, it was not easy but it will be best for the both of you, in the long run. Just start each and every session without and only after a certain amount of griping, continue with the shield.

Most often my baby was eager to get back to the breast after switching to the second, when she had a pretty good rhythm going that she didn't even notice we weren't using one on the second side:)

You need to get the nipple pain under control, I highly recommend a pair of silverette, a small pair of pure silver cups that you literally place on your nipples. They work like magic and absolutely saved my BFing relationship! Check them out here: www.breastfeedingheaven.com

[momtobeau]

I totally know what you are going through!
I had troubles right from the start...cracked, bleeding nipples, infections....it seemed hopeless. I was introduced to the nipple shield, but was terrified to try to latch without it because of the severe pain that would bring me to tears. My son could only feed using one and i was ok with this so long as he was eating. But as time went on it became painful to use. Peices of my nipples would be sucked through the sheild holes and I the friction between the sheild and my nipple caused a rug burn feeling.

My son was about 2 months old when I decided to try to teach him to latch. I thought this was impossible. He would not know what to do when he was brought to my breast. We had afew set backs learning the latch - he would not latch properly and I didn't realize it so my nippleswould crack and it became painful again. It was just a nasty cycle.I would wait a few days and ty agian...wait a few days and try again. During this process I developed yeast and needed to be treated yet again. I was ready to quit breastfeeding because at this point I was not enjoying it.

I then found this site and I read up about bf everyday, learning the latch, reading others stories...I would have giving up if it wasnt for the support I found here. It took about 3 weeks to fully get my son used to feeding withoutthe shield. I started to just re-introduce with out any pressure to feed. I would lie with him and let him explore - even for just a few minutes. One of hte best advice I got was to feed him when he's sleeping or half asleep. This works amazing! But not when he is starving. As said before, Latch is everything. If he isnt latched take him off. There are a few good videos that I watched to help with getting him ot open wide and take more of the breast in. Another important tip I got was when he is fussing to feed not to let him fuss for too long. I waited about 4 or 5 mins before usig the shield again, but then I would take it off after a few mins and try again.
Once he does this a few times both of you should be more confortable.

I know this seems impossible and hopeless - but you CAN DO IT :) It's a bit of a challenge but don't give up. Your doing a great job and taking the right steps to correct this.

Good luck and wishing you sucessful breastfeeing

[minx17051]

I cried every time I nursed for the first 3 weeks. I had the same problem with the pain and cracking etc. I found great advice here as well. I upped my vitamins B6 250mg time release day for pain, B12 for my nerves 500mg a day plus my prenatals. It also helps if you can go braless for bit. That was hard for me I leaked everywhere but I managed short periods. I also used Lansinoh Lanolin. I was afraid to use the shields for that reason. My nephew's mommy couldn't go without them and she quit nursing. I am sad for my little man. Hang in there it will get better. I just grit my teeth through it and we are now pain free at 2 mos.