Katherine,
If the mom is using the nipple shield appropriately it shouldn't affect
her supply.  I do tell moms that I want to keep a watch on the baby to
make sure he/she is peeing and pooping and gaining weight.  I also always
tell moms that I consider the nipple shield a "transitional tool" to get
baby back to breast and the idea is to get rid of it as soon as baby is
ready, but in reality I've had moms using a nipple shield for months with
no problems.  One baby decided she was done with it at 5 months and had
been gaining and growing beautifully using the shield.  I now have a mom
with a Down Syndrome baby who is 6 months and still on the shield and
doing fine.  

I came to this field through LLL and nipple shields were a huge "no no",
but I've found over the years that they can be a wonderful tool for a
baby who won't go to breast any other way.  I don't use them as the first
thing I try, but they are in my "tool box".

Warmly,
Pat Bucknell IBCLC
private practice
Avon Lake OH

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