Breastfeeding with shields long term! Issues

[Moobaloo]

Think I might be getting to the end of the breastfeeding road :(

I think DS's wind/reflux problems are coming from the nipple shields (was on bottle fed EBM for the first two weeks after a 11% weight loss and could not get suitable latch - I have flat nipples - so have fed exclusively with shields ever since. He's now 17 weeks) I had thought he might be lactose intolerant but although his sleep has improved a little since cutting dairy he's still waking 2/3 times to feet and another couple of times a night with farts/some kind of internal difficulties/reflux?

He also pulls off a lot when feeding, and can be quite whingy/upset during/after feeds and I now think this is because the shields are causing him to swallow too much air.

This became more obvious when dp looked after him the other week and he slept very well and had no issues giving him several bottles of both EBM and formula (before I cut dairy too) and dp gave him a bottle of formula this morning while he was having him so I could have a lie in and Ds took it really happily, none of the usual fuss he does when bfing.

I can't find much on the internet about feeding with shields long term, the mw said if it works do it and didn't seem bothered about how long I used them for when she recommended them and they worked. Should I give a hv a ring? He's still putting on weight but has dropped some centiles (91st at birth) so maybe I should get him weighed again and ask their advice? Can you just ring up and get someone to come and weigh or do I need to wait for the next clinic in 2 weeks?

I can't get him to feed without the shields, he just closes his mouth and turns away confused. I think maybe I could express and give him a mixture of EBM and formula apwhilst gradually letting my supply decrease as I know I can't keep up with him fully on EBM! What do you knowledgable lot think?

[MargeryDaw]

I used shields with my son for 9 months as I also have flat nipples and couldn't breast feed him any other way. He maintained his weight (was always on the 9th centile as he was born a bit early - but never dropped). I think they're used by more women than you'd first think as many are embarrassed to admit using them.