In a message dated 97-02-08 23:58:48 EST, you write:

>I find it interesting of all the discusion lately on nipple shields no one
>mentioned the latest issue of JHL.

Just to add my 2 cents.  I always wanted to know what happened with mothers
after they bought nipple shields, so we did a little call back to a few to
see what happened.  I was amazed (because I was one of those "never use a
nipple shield"  LC, few yrs ago). Many of the mothers stated that they had
little problem getting the baby weaned off the nipple shield with time.  A
few said they use to hide and were so ashamed of using the nipple shield
because the nurses, LC's in the hospital told them do not use a nipple shield
or do not use the nipple shield when you get home.  The responses were very
different then what I thought they would be.  My only concern with the
shields, as it has been stated, is monitoring the weight and do not use them
like candy.  I did change the directions on the Medela nipple shield with a
caution- breastmilk may decrease, should be followed up with a medical
professional, and weekly weight checks done to monitor weight.  I have to
admit that I have in my practice had 2 women nurse with a nipple shield for 6
months and 12 months.
"Worry never robs tomorrow of its sorrow; it only saps today of its strenth"
 AJ Cronin

Pat Bull, RN, IBCLC
The Breastfeeding Connection, Medela, Inc.
Naperville, IL