So I had an appointment with a lactation specialist and...
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I use them as the midwife suggested when baby struggled to latch on. I can occasionally get him to latch without them but 9/10 times I use the shields. It really helps having the correct size shield. I use mam shields and just pop it over the nipple. It can get a bit messy with milk sometimes especially when it’s knocked or if he lets go, so I usually put a bib on baby and cover myself with a muslin cloth and have another one for baby.
Hiya, my baby wouldn't latch without them, we used them basically every feed until he was 15 weeks but occasionally I'd try without. Then at 15-16 weeks he just started latching and doesn't ever need them now! You put them on by folding them almost inside out then flipping them over once covering your nipple. There is probably some video tutorials on YouTube.
Heyyy, my son refused to latch at first and I had to use them, use some boobies milk to dampen it I had to hold mine on a lil but he stopped needing themand latched by himself a couple weeks later
@Laina exactly the same here girl, I have a 5 day old, and she latched on well for a day or two, but now, she latches for 5 mins max, then it’s impossible to get her to relatch on. Tried nipple shields was okay, but she much prefers having breast milk from a bottle! A pump is a pump nothing wrong with it x
@Madi how do I start getting him to try to latch
I waited until he nursed a little popped him off popped the shield off and rubbed his nose and chin until he opened and if he didn’t take we went back to the shield and did it a couple times per feeding until he got used to my nip and started to take it
If you mean onto it I used a lil milk on the tip and put it close to him
Here's some information on using nipple shields. Did she give you some advice for getting baby to take the breast? Like lots of skin to skin, no pressure nursing, biological nurturing? There's some info in this article anyway https://laleche.org.uk/nipple-shields/
@Charlotte it was a short appointment since the place was closing soon n the other person before me talked to her for a long time and since I'm exhused I didn't think about asking some things I wanted to , but she said skin to skin make sure his tummy to mine so it easy on him to drink n get to nipple try the foot ball position and I told her I haven't been able to get him in that position on my own since he's 22 inches long n 10 pounds now
If you sit on the sofa or bed you can use pillows to support him in that position if it helps. Biological nurturing might be easier though, that's basically laid back, with baby laid down your tummy rather than across you.
My lactation consultant told me to get it a little damp first, either with breastmilk or water. This helps it stay suctioned. Then you flip the sides up, put the tip over your nipple, and flip the sides down over your areola. I used mine literally once. My baby kept knocking it off from being so fussy. It worked well though, that was the only time my baby has ever latched ever. But after the frustration it caused I decided to exclusively pump. Good luck!