flat nipples and the nipple shield

[razzylatte]

can anyone tell me about flat nipples and the use of the shield? i have flat nipples and i am using a shield, my week old is not gaining weight and she is not going poo...SO now i am worried....today i started pumping and she ate 1 1/2 ounces from the bottle...any advice out there is greatly appreciated...i feel like giving up, but i really want to nurse...also, does anyone know of any good lactation consultants in the metro detroit area? hmm...just a wonder.

[Marsha_Bearden]

Call your local hospitals to see if there is a Lactation Consultant close to you. You can also do a search on Breastfeeding.com to find an LC in your area. Go to this link and click on your state to the right. http://www.breastfeeding.com/directory/lcdirectory.html

It is best if flat nipples are treated before your baby is born using the Avent Niplette or even before you are pregnant, but it can still be used in the early days after birth to assist with latch on. This is something you may want to consider before you have your next child. Here is a link with more information about the product: http://motheringfromtheheart.com/catalog/20.html The leaking milk may not allow it to stay on well enough at this point.

Did a health care professional help you with the nipple shield while in the hospital? Or is this something you purchased on your own after discharge? What kind of nipple shield do you have? Since this forum is closed right now, you may contact me directly at marsha@motheringfromtheheart.com We can also discuss more details of your nipple privately as flat nipples and inverted nipples are my specialty area.

I think with some help from an IBCLC, you should be able to use a nipple shield as it can be a great tool for a baby that is not latching, but if your baby is not latched on correctly with the nipple shield, it will not allow for a good milk transfer. Your daughter will need to nurse on the shield just as she would on the breast with a wide angle of her mouth on the breast. She shouldn’t be on the tip of the nipple shield. When she comes off the nipple shield, your nipple should be pulled up into the shield and you should see visible milk in the shield and in her mouth. This will reassure you of a good feed. If you will contact me directly, I can show you a photo of a baby nursing using a shield correctly.

It might be a good idea to rent a baby scale and keep a watch on the weight for a couple of weeks.

A local LC may even be able to help you nurse directly without the nipple shield.

Please do not give up….even if you are pumping and providing your milk, your baby is going to have the protection from infection and many other advantages that Breastmilk offers.

Blessings,
Marsha Bearden RN, IBCLC, RLC
http://www.motheringfromtheheart.com
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Psalm 22:9..You made me hope and trust when I was on my mother's breast.