Me again about nipple shields!
Daughter is now 4 weeks old. Couldn’t latch until 12 days old after tight tongue tie snipped at 10 days. Also was early term (37+2), has a high palate and recessed chin as well as upper lip tie. Tongue tie practitioner warned us not to expect miracles as she had a lot going against her!
However since 12 days old she’s been feeding really well with shields. Hasn’t been weighed since day 15 due to Christmas closures but was back to birth weight then and certainly is having 8-10 wet nappies and at least 6-7 dirty nappies each day so I know she’s getting plenty (and is growing out of newborn clothes now).
The other night in bed I sleepily tried to latch her lying down having forgotten shield and she surprisingly latched and fed nicely. Since then I’ve been trying a few times each day to latch her without shields- she’ll do her best but comes off unsatisfied, wanting to be fed again and nipple lipstick shaped (though no pain). Also some clicking but mostly at let down (which is fast). Generally end up feeding with shields soon after although it’s always a short feed and she drops off so unsure if it’s a desire to comfort nurse.
We have been trying flipple and laid back positions but she’s still got a turned in lower lip and a shallow latch so it does seem she gets more milk with the shields than without if that’s possible?
She can now push her tongue past her gum so I don’t think the tie has reattached. Older child back to school next week so will have time to devote to latch improvement and breastfeeding groups locally back on. Does anyone have any other tips on improving latch as I’m thinking the shields are encouraging a shallow latch? Or is it just a matter of waiting for her to grow a bit more so the high palate and recessed chin are less of an issue?