Nipple Shields

[emvy]

So I have a cracked nipple on one side caused by ds nibbling on the end when we fell asleep feeding. So far, I’ve been feeding through the pain as it only lasts a few seconds before it eases but I’ve now noticed the cracks getting worse. I tried nipple shields for a couple of feeds just to ease the discomfort from a full breast that side but I can’t seem to quite get it right.

Ds latches on fine but the shield either comes off straight away or puckers while he’s feeding and then comes off in his mouth when he unlatches. This then causes him to panic and wake up. There is also milk in the shield that I’ve read isn’t a good thing either? Anyone with any experience of using them have any advice? I’ve tried putting nipple cream on the edge to help it stick but it makes no difference!

Thanks

I have used nipple shields in the past but it was more because I have flat nipples and my dc1 couldn’t latch (ultimately we stopped sooner than we’d liked but probably not because of the shields).

If pain is only for a short time at letdown, I would probably just try to power through if you can. What helped me with nipple damage was lasinoh before every feed and then after I expressed milk and rubbed in in the cracks and let dry, then covered with more lasinoh. That helped a lot and they cleared up within about 2 weeks or so without the shields this time. Might be worth trying if the shields are being too much of a faff.

And how old is your baby? I found that initial pain at latching went away after about 3 weeks.

There should be milk in the end of the nipple shield when the baby comes off, it shows they were getting milk through:

www.breastfeeding.asn.au/bfinfo/nipple-shields

In my experience it was easier to get the nipple shield to stick by wetting it a little with spit or water (not thick creams) and stretching it slightly at you put it on. Even if it comes off at the end of the feed or the edges come up during, the pressure of your baby's lips on it should keep it on around the nipple and create a seal so he can get the milk he needs.

Thank you both!

Baby is 2 weeks old. It’s reassuring to hear that his lips should be keeping it on and that milk in the end isn’t a bad sign. Maybe I’m overthinking it!! I’m slathering on the lasinoh cream as well minditopia and things are definitely already improving