Beloved Lactnetters,
I don't think the controversy over nipple shields will
ever end until some reliable, long-term studies are
published...sigh.  Used with *discretion* they are a
useful tool.  I like them because they keep the baby
*feeding at the breast*, which is the goal for most
moms I work with.

In the current discussion, I have not yet read any
mention of their use for babies with high palates. The
shield can help fill that gap, and stimulate the baby
to widen the jaw and drop the tongue (in other words,
STOP CLENCHING).  It can improve baby's latch and
suckle, thus reversing or preventing nipple damage and
pain, while the palate is (hopefully) changing shape.
In a baby who has been feeding ineffectively due to an
elevated palate, a shield can improve milk transfer.

I have also *not* given a shield to a small number of
moms, even though I thought it would improve the
situation, because I was not reassured that the
parents would do the necessary follow-up to assure
adequate intake in the baby.

Carole Jernigan
IBCLC


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