Nipple shields - info/advice?

[MissPollyHadADolly19]

With first DD I had eczema on both nipples - to the point the skin was so broken and weeping it would stick to my bra and rip off I tried expressing for a little while (2 weeks?) But had to start using steroid cream as the eczema got infected, so switched to formula.

Im due with DD2 in August and although I've not had ezcema there since my 1st, I'm worried it will start again or if I struggle to latch it will cause it to come back, so have bought contact nipple shields as I really want to give breastfeeding a proper go.

So my Q is can I use them for every feed, are they effective and any advice in regards to protecting my nipples whilst feeding in general?

[shellysheridan]

Op. I obviously don't know your circumstances but I've suffered with eczema and also breastfed both my ds's for a few years after a tough start.

My advice. Don't use shields. The milk is hard to extract.

Also, are you sure it's eczema? I had cracked skin from poor latch and undiagnosed tongue tie.

This is worth investigating at birth.

I would not use the shields but layer on the lansinoh and ensure your latch is perfect.

[shellysheridan]

If you do get cracked skin this sticks to your bra, use the thick microporous tape to cover the wound to allow it to heal

[MissPollyHadADolly19]

@Shelly did you manage to breastfeed naturally or did you express too? How did you cope with the pain?
It was definetly eczema, had it a few years prior to having DD but it healed alot quicker without use of steroids, probably as it was able to heal on its own. It started again at around 38 weeks and continued to spread, it got to the point the whole areola skin would peel off every time I took my bra off, which then with a new born was quite often - after 2 weeks PP I gave up and had to get treatment. Have stocked up on the lansinoh though!

[Redcliff]

I used nipple shields for a bit (although for other reasons ) and found them helpful.

[boredpanda84]

You can totally use them for every feed if you need to...once your milk is in. You can't use them while you have colostrum. I would see if there is a lactation consultant/BF team at the hospital you are birthing in so they can see you postnatally before you go home to see how you are going. Some breastfeeding teams are happy to also do an antenatal consultation if you ask...I know the hospital I used to work in would do this. :)

[PatricksRum]

I wouldn't use Shields.
Tons of Lanisoh.
Mine were cracking, bleeding, I used to cry every time dc wanted to feed. 10 months on and it's much better.
Grit your teeth for the first few weeks

[PotatoScallop]

I used shields for every feed, because my nipples are short. 14mo for each child, every feed after my milk came in. I had oversupply with my first and more than enough with the second.

But they didn't stop me feeling pain if I had a blister or bite (teething babies argh). Sometimes if the shield slipped, my skin would rub funny against the shield and it hurt plenty until it healed.

Medela shields in the biggest size were recommended by the IBCLC at my hospital. Hydrogel breast discs by Rite Aid were also a saviour, the wet healing was heaps faster than dry. Plus they stopped fabric sticking to my wounded or even just raw nipples.

[redbedheadd]

I can't advise re eczema bit I've used shields for every feed and DS is 4 months. No issue with supply and he feeds really well. Good luck !

[HJ82]

I'm using shields as my DD was pre term. Couldn't get her to latch without them at 35 weeks. Now I'm in the process of weaning her off them but I don't think they have affected my supply. I express too. She seems content and getting enough

[MissPollyHadADolly19]

Thanks for all the advice! I will be looking into those hydrogel discs too as they sound extremely useful.
I've bought the MAM nipple shields so far but will also get the medela ones too as I've heard alot of good reviews about them. I'm hoping if I can express and store enough colostrum in the weeks leading up to my due date I'll be able to bring in my supply properly ready to use the nipple shields.
Although hoping I don't get the eczema again altogether!

[Serendipper]

Find your local la leche league they have been a godsend to me!
I used shields for 6 months and they saved my bfing and my supply was fine. They are a nuisance though so if you don’t need them then avoid it. Make sure your latch is great (midwives/drs/bf supporters - don’t always know) I had great help from lll and from an ibclc (private qualified bf consultant). I would highly recommend speaking to someone before baby comes and explaining your situation last time and getting a plan in place!

[BertieBotts]

Breast shells might be better than shields? Shields act as a barrier between you and baby which means that the stimulation and feedback loop etc won't be as good. OK if you can't feed any other way, but not a great idea if you don't absolutely need them. Breast shells hold your clothing away from your nipples instead. And as a plus if you leak they catch the drips and you can pour it into a bottle, allegedly.

[modgepodge]

I’m using shields, daughter is 2 months. No issues with supply. Only issue is they’re a faff and make public feeding less discreet.