My experience with babies who are balking at weaning off shields is that the
problems which necessitated the use of the shield in the first place aren't
resolved. Because the only time a shield should be used is when there is an
intelligent reason for trying one to solve a specific problem which you (as
the astute consultant) have identified.  Remember:  ALL equipment should
have a RATIONALE behind its use or it is being used UNETHICALLY!  Either the
flat or inverting nipples aren't yet protrubent enough to signal proper
palatal sensation, or low tonality in the mouth persists to the point where
baby has trouble "sensing" and locating the nipple.  Or whatever (see my JHL
article for the other instances when I consider them useful).  My experience
has been that patiently trying at each feed to remove the shield at various
moments is the way to go.  If the baby fusses, just calmly replace it and go
on.  So long as the baby is nursing and gaining well, options remain open.
Sooner or later baby can make the breast work without it and they spit them
out.  Why is this worse than pumping and bottle, cup, or finger-feeding for
a  totally breast-rejecting infant? That is far more distancing, time
consuming, and stressful.  However, if it is what you and the mother decide
to do, then it's your rationale and you should monitor your outcomes to see
how useful this approach is and publish your findings so we all have some
basis to compare efficacy of various protocols.  I am not particularly
interested in "belief system" science.
Barbara

Barbara Wilson-Clay, BS, IBCLC
Private Practice, Austin, Texas
Owner, Lactnews On-Line Conference Page
http://moontower.com/bwc/lactnews.html