Dear Lori,

        On your baby who refuses to nurse without the nipple shield:  It
sounds as if you have achieved some success with this baby already.  At
least he's on the breast.  How old is this baby?  How long had he refused
the breast before finally latching with the shield?

        These new nipple shields are so much better than the old type!
How about letting mom and baby have a few days of successful breastfeeding
before changing things around?  Give them both a chance to relax.

        This mom and baby sound like good candidates for rebirthing.  In
a few days, put them both in a tub of warm water, float the baby gently
in the water, then put baby on mom's tummy, let them have whatever time
it takes.  Maybe baby will self-attach.  The video footage I've seen is
sure convincing.

        I have worked with many moms who have used nipple shields
temporarily.  After a few days to a week or so, most have spontaneously
discarded the shield, and baby nursed just fine.  Trying to push the mom
usually hasn't worked.

Hope this helps,


Margie Forrest, RN, BSN, IBCLC in WPB, FL