Some questions about nipple shields

[carterandcalliesmom]

When I was in the hospital I could get Cameron to latch on, but it took FOREVER - then when we got home he would try to latch on and then just go to sleep without nursing. Well, I tried the nipple shield and he latched right on and started nursing really well - he then gained back the weight he had lost in the hospital and was back at his birthweight last week. (he gained 7 ounces since using the nipple shield in one week)

Well, as of yesterday morning I have gotten Cam to latch on without the nipple shield completely, but now he latches and unlatches so many times it is driving me crazy - it is almost more a pain than the shield! Now he only nurses for a few minutes and seems done, but then hungry again not even an hour later so I wonder if the flow is just too fast now without the shield? (I had OALD with both my first two) It sounds like he is gulping/eating too fast. Should I go back to the shield or will that just cause more problems? Oh, I have tried pumping before nursing also to see if that helps, but this morning Cam still latched and unlatched. Today is the first day he has been fussy since he was born (and well, not really that fussy, but for him it is if that makes sense?) He is now spitting up too and wasn't before. Maybe all of it is a coincidence, but I wonder if it might be from weaning from the shield? Maybe he is unlatching because he isn't latched on correctly to begin with? I am sooo confused! (it appears to me he is latched on correctly and I don't feel any pain though!)

Sorry I am all over the place with this post - you would think the third time around I would be a pro! LOL

[sunnystars]

im am using the shield for the 2nd time now with my ds who is 2.5mos and i have no problems. actually, the shield is responsible for me being able to bf both of my los. i didnt wean my 1st off the shield until she was 3mos old. until bf was establised and she knew how to effieciently nurse. once she was a bf champ, i just started nursing her one day w/o it and she took right to the bare breast. so i dont think youre doing any harm using a shield. if thats what it takes to start nursing, then so be it! u guys wont be dependent on it forever!

[sunnystars]

oh, also see the post about weaning from the shield. i responded a longer reply to that one!

[Psyche]

Could just be OAL. I would try block nursing and see if that helps and for the next few days pumping a few minutes before he eats. I have probably mild OAL and Jon still pops off frequently. Even though its a pain, I wouldn't use a nipple shield without the help of a competent LC.

[carterandcalliesmom]

Thanks sunny - I used one with my first son for FIVE months- then with my second she just latched right on and we never needed it.