I work as a postpartum lactation consultant in a hospital. My colleagues and I are trying to decide whether to take away access to nipple shields for staff. We find that the shields are often given out too quickly to "solve" latch problems that would go away as baby gets less sleepy (less drugged) and has more time skin to skin. My own practice has evolved into using nipples shields less and less. I'm working towards Jane Morton's approach of teaching hand expression and spoon feeding for those babies who won't latch in the hospital. This seems to help most babies become more interested in latching and feeding. 

I just came back from the Log Cabin LC conference in MA. I was pleased by the fact  that Cathy Watson Genna uses shields in her practice. Would love to hear from others who have opinions pro and con about shields. Would especially like to hear about other hospital practices or protocols for shield use. Do you think it is "better" to send a baby home nursing with a shield rather than sending a baby home not latching or nursing at all? I know it is a case by case decision. What are your thoughts?

Thanks in advance for all your wisdom!

             ***********************************************

Archives: http://community.lsoft.com/archives/LACTNET.html
To reach list owners: [log in to unmask]
Mail all list management commands to: [log in to unmask]
COMMANDS:
1. To temporarily stop your subscription write in the body of an email: set lactnet nomail
2. To start it again: set lactnet mail
3. To unsubscribe: unsubscribe lactnet
4. To get a comprehensive list of rules and directions: get lactnet welcome