Trouble with the nipple shields I used with my premature baby

QUESTION: My baby was born a month premature. She was in the NICU for 8 days because she had several apnic episodes. After being released from the hospital I went to a consultant who advised me to use a SNS and nipple shield to get her to latch on. I gave up on the SNS because it was so much trouble. However I continued with the nipple shield. I tried removing it when she fed, cutting pieces out of it etc...anything to get her to latch on to me. However, it has all been unsuccessful. Rather then having a battle I let my infant have her way. She appears to be doing well i.e. gaining weight and having adequate urine output. My question is according to all of the literature it says that use of the shield diminishes milk supply and leads to problems. Realistically how long can I continue to use it to nurse my daughter. Also does use of it lead to breast problems? By that I mean plugged milk ducts etc... A lot of times I wake up engorged or my breasts feel painful. Is that due to use of the shield? Any input you can give would be great.
 

Dear Vicky,

Breast shields that are used incorrectly can be dangerous. If your daughter is growing and gaining you must be using them well. I would suggest you pump after nursing to make sure you empty your breasts completely.

Inadequate emptying of your breasts can cause plugged ducts, mastitis etc. Shields have been shown to decrease milk supply. I would continue to try to get her to latch without them. It might take a bit of time, but she should switch over. Try lots of skin to skin contact, bathe with her etc.

Good Luck,

Denise G Hewson RN IBCLC

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