In a message dated 97-02-06 23:00:59 EST, you write: >Hi, >a friend and LLLL has asked me to try and source soft, latex nipple >shields in the UK. She finds the easiest way to wean babies off nipple >shields is to cut them away bit by bit, until the baby is nursing >directly off the breast, but only silicon nipple shields are available. Not one of my favorite subjects, but I will comment on the facts. An article in Early Human Development, 4:357, 1980 done by Woolridge, Baum, and Drewett showed that with the traditional (Mexican Hat) that milk transfer was reduced by 58% and that with the thin Latex nipple shield (many on the market), milk supply was reduced by 22%. Studies have shown that with the thin, silicone nipple shield, milk supply decreases 18%. I have had people ask if there are recommendations to cut back the nipple shield for weaning the baby off the shield. Medela suggests never to cut back the nipple shield because there have been instances with various nipple shields that babies have gotten cuts in their mouths. I personally found, way back a few years, that cutting them back never helped anyway because the baby would just scream and cry when it was low enough and want the shield back again. Pat Bull, RN, IBCLC The Breastfeeding Connection, Medela, Naperville, IL