Of course, nipple shields are not inherently good or bad...just like a
hammer, a chisel, or the smallest most delicate pair of tweezers, or a
mallet..all are tools, to be used in the right situation. And as
professionals, it is up to us to evaluate carefully, and decide which tool
will work for which situation and mother... Judging on her state of mind,
her physical condition, and her baby's condition and ability, as well as
baby's anatomy and physiology.
When you get correct judgment and the right tool, and professional support,
you have success...such as you had... When you have the wrong tool, in the
wrong situation, you have a problem.
The nipple shield is a tool, and it is used in some situations, as a last
resort in my practice, or when I realize that the mother, at THAT time, in
that situation, with that baby, at that point in the breastfeeding
relationship, needs it. It's the judgement and support surrounding the
intervention that makes it crucial as the mother moves towards breastfeeding
without any extra tools.
I have had many mothers who have used various tools as they worked through
breastfeeding issues...who would not have, for various reasons, not been
able to latch the baby on without it.
It's a tool....that's all. It's the expert support and followup behind any
tool that is the important key.
Kathleen Bruce RN IBCLC
Kathleen Bruce RN IBCLC
Independent consultant: Breastfeeding Clinic of Vermont, Lactation
Resources of Vermont, Medela, Inc. Listowner Lactnet listserv
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