best type of nipple shields? please help.

[linspins]

hi all, typing with one hand so apologise for no capitals! 5 day baby in other arm...
short post: breast fed my dd, and had weeks and weeks of hell with it...every problem going, bleeding sore nipples, thrush, mastitis, painful let down etc. but did persevere and after several months it got better!
just had baby son, he's lovely but it's happening all over again and I'm terrified. nipples already so sore they are bleeding (and he brought up sick with blood in, very alarming). have had so much support with position etc but it still hurts like hell.
i remember someone saying nipple shields can help you through a bad patch and ones in a butterfly shape were the best. anyone know what make/brand that is and do they help. just dreading feeding tonight, let alone carrying on.
please help! xxxx

I used theavent nipple shields with DS1 and they served the purpose at the time, but be warned, it is said that they can cause supply issues longer term.

Oh and don't worry about your LO swallowing a little bit of blood, it's harmless.

I know exactly how you feel, those first couple of weeks can be really tough. With DS1 I used shield but with DS2 I stuck it out, through gritted teeth and I'm glad to say the pain went after a couple of weeks.

Who checked your latch?

I would really advise going to see a breastfeeding counsellor.

breastfeeding shouldn't hurt, and definitely not for weeks and weeks

KENT LLL Bexley and Bromley: - 0208 658 4293
LLL Rochester: - 07594 578595

• 01634 815915
• 01634 304203
• 01634 814221

that's a list of numbers for Le Leche League groups in Kent

oh, if you do get nipple shields for short term use I would go for something like medela.
they are very thin, which is good.

shields can interfere with supply though

thanks ladies. We did get through the night feeds...pain and all! Midwife just been round and helped again. Big sigh...

How are you today Linspins? Are you managing without the nipple shields? Just a thought but have you tried feeding in different positions- like the rugby ball? I found that helped a little sometimes. Also, and I'm sure you are, are you using copious amounts of Lansinoh?

Hi Supercherry - tried lots of different positions, he doesn't like rugby ball...but yes, got the super lansinoh!!
Dh bought me avant shields today, as we were only getting by by expressing and giving a bottle. Have done two feeds now with shields and it's so much more bearable. I can actually feed without agony and tears. I was on the verge of giving up - which is really saying something cos I am pretty determined. So lets hope nipples can heal a bit now.
Thanks for thinking of me, a little support goes a long way.

I'm really glad to hear things are getting better for you. I remember so clearly the relief I got from using the shields with DS1. It sounds like you're doing really well, it's really tough going at times. I know I've been on the verge of giving up breastfeeding so many times this time round too. I'm still hanging in there at 13 weeks.

Glad you're still at it too Supercherry. Blimey I am so sore though. I do feel sorry for the wee mite too as he is essentially feeding from open wounds and must be getting blood too. And people think labour is hard...well at least it's over quicker!

Hi,

I just wanted to add my experience of nipple shields - I found bf really painful too and was given some nipple shields to try at the hospital. I think it was avent ones I used but I ended up using them for the first 3 months on and off. Eventually I bit the bullet and got rid of them but it was tough. I fed my ds for 13 months and never had any issues with supply and I think if it hadn't been for the nipple shields I might not have got through the first few weeks.

Good luck, it feels so tough at the start but does get easier!