nipple shields

[leosmommy]

I use a nipple shield to bf Jacoby. Will he get more/worse gas using these. And how long is too long to use a shield?

[KerrySmithIBCLC]

A nipple shield shouldn't affect how much gas a baby has. Although I encourage women to try to wean from the shield by always offering the breast first without the shield, some women use a nipple shield for months, and sometimes for as long as they nurse. As long as your milk supply is not negatively affected and your baby is gaining appropriately, there is no downside to nipple shield use except the inconvenience factor.

I recommend you work closely with a lactation consultant in the early days/weeks of nipple shield usage to make sure the shield is the correct size, it's being put on correctly, and baby is getting enough milk and fully draining the breasts.