What size nipple shields?

[Firsttimemum090]

I reckon I'm small, but perhaps larger is better? Obvs can't try them on in the store

I’d go medium to start. I started medium, tried large and went back to medium. Large was more uncomfortable!

Yep agree with PP - midwife told me that medium is normally the safest bet.

Thanks Tilliebean. How are they meant to fit? More loose or tight? I'm not yet BF but getting hospital bag together. Not sure if I should wait until last minute breast Changes to buy shields?

I found snug more comfortable, the larger ones seemed to have a suction effect that pulled my nipple more than was comfortable.
Honestly unless you have flat nipples or are far from a shop that sells them I wouldn’t bother getting them immediately. My nipples aren’t flat but my DD really struggled to latch, which is why I got them the day after she was born.
I have got a pair ready for DC2 but that’s really because of the issues I had with DD. I don’t think most people need them!

I think they're only "too small" if the flesh of your nipple is coming out of the holes at the end, so you need a bit of space above the nipple to make sure that doesn't happen (can imagine it would feel horrible).

I used shields for a short time to help my nipples recover from being lacerated by my DC1s high palette, they can be a godsend if your nipples are so sore that you physically struggle to feed. Although agree most people probably don't need them and I think they should only be used under direction of a health professional as they can sometimes hinder milk transfer and lead to reduced supply.

Thank you, heard they were good to have in hospital bag in case of latch problems, but sounds better to wait until we've tried to feed. Haven't got flat nipples either so perhaps won't need? Any brand recommendations or is it just a personal preference?

We have latch problems and the hospital provided me with nipple shields at first until discharge. We took the ones we had been using with is and went to buy more a day or so later. So personall I wouldn't bother buying them 'just in case'as most people don't need them and if you do, you might be given some by the hospital. Ours is very pro-breastfeeding so went out of their way to encourage it though.

Medela were far and away my favourite! All the midwives and lactation consultants recommended them too.

Fab, thanks. Will wait to purchase for now. Any recommendations for pads? Bamboo or other material? Reusabel or dispoabale?

I’d get a pack of Lansinoh pads to start. Start disposable and see what you need after your milk comes in.