Very early research showed that nipple shields reduced milk transfer by 14% (the softer silicone ones)in otherwise healthy babies.  Paula Meier's research showed that in preemies, milk transfer was increased by 34%.  Here again, it depends on the situation.  Paula's moms didn't suffer loss of supply, but they were all pumping in addition to breastfeeding.  Perhaps some of the earlier research did not involve use of a pump or long-term use of the shield.   

-----Original Message-----
From: Lactation Information and Discussion [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of brooke
Sent: Friday, January 08, 2010 9:45 PM
Subject: weaning from nipple shields

Is there an evidence-based answer to when and if one needs to wean from a nipple shield. If baby is thriving and mom is content, is there any rush? Are there any documented negative effects of using a shield for an extended period of time--or even for the duration of breastfeeding? I know in the past that the old-school shields caused milk-transfer issues and led to a lot of poor infant weight gain. But I am wondering about the newer silicone shields. 

I can imagine why many moms might wish to wean from them when it becomes possible to do so--convenience, removing the "barrier"
between them and their little one, getting rid of the feeling that a crutch is needed, etc.

But I was faced with the question today about when or whether it is necessary to wean the baby off of nipple shields and realized that while all the literature I looked at indicated that we should always have an eye towards weaning from them, no one ever really articulated why.

I understand the risk of a woman who has not been educated on proper use having issues with milk supply and infant weight gain.
But when used properly and appropriately and successfully, do the silicone shields really carry any longterm risks? Are there any oral development issues to consider when using longterm?

Beyond the obvious psychological and aesthetic benefits of being able to nurse without a shield, I'm wondering if there are any concrete reasons why a mother should wean her baby from them if she doesn't want to. And if so, at what point is ideal.

Thanks in advance for your thoughts!

Best,
Brooke Casey
Northern California, USA



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