Shorter feeds after weaning from nipple shields

[TinToms]

Keen to hear experiences of mums who’ve weaned off nipple shields. I’ve finally done it at 8 weeks adjusted age – we started because she was premature and had a tiny mouth and couldn’t suck. (I’ve no regrets about using them by the way as they without a doubt absolutely saved my breastfeeding journey!)

My question is whether you noticed feed length reduce when the baby was feeding directly from the breast? She is happy just feeding from one side each time and with shields she averaged 10 mins. Without them she’s doing about 5 mins. It’s only been 3/4 days and so far nappies are normal and she doesn’t seem more hungry or restless. But she’s a bit more fussy at the breast which I would expect due to the change of experience. Latch not great yet but we’re working on it and I have a lot of milk which I can always see spilling out of her mouth! My question is really about feeding length and whether anyone else noticed any difference?

Perhaps she is getting more in a shorter space of time? The fussing could be if it's coming a bit too fast for her. From memory (long time ago!) nipple shields only had one hole and when directly feeding it sprays out of all different holes! Preserve she will get the hand of it!
Well done for getting this far!

My DD was around 5 months when we stopped with the nipple shields, but same as you, the feed time halved.

If she seems content after a feed and nappies are normal then then I'm sure s

Agh! Posted too soon. Meant to say, I'm sure she's fine. Well done for keeping going. Hope it gets easier for you both.

I've found this with my little boy, I think he's getting the milk much quicker now without the shield. I've also noticed he's dribbling a bit of milk out, so I know he's getting some! I would have said that if your LO is having the right number of nappies etc and happy after feeds they're doing good :)

She's probably able to get the milk out more effectively without the shields. If she's happy and having normal nappies then it sounds like she's doing fine.

Thanks everyone so much!