I am dismayed to have just seen a patient with a robust milk supply and
healthy 9 month old who were told to use a nipple shield for teething
difficulties.  Most of you know that I am not big on shields (I do
occassionally recommend them though in newborn and premies); however, I have
never hear of an IBCLC recommending a shield for the "symptoms of teething."
The mom was quite distressed by this advice and called me for a second
opinion.  I saw the mom yesterday and it was very clear that this healthy 9
month old had what I call constitutional problems because of teething, plus
specific gum issues.  He would latch and nurse until his gums became
engorged and pull off screaming.   Everything he could bite on was being
chomped to pieces; fortunately, mom's nipples had no broken skin. They had
tried Tylenol and Hyland's homeopathics, without success.  I brought
Nature's Sunshine Teething drops (liquid and in a glycerine base).  Within 3
doses (3 drops given 10 minutes apart) this child was in a completely
different temperment.  He latched and nursed for 1/2 an hour with a relaxed
body and was perky and happy afterward.  I love these success stories, but
I'm also so frustrated by the shield issue.  Does anyone have a gentle way
that I might present this to the IBCLC who made the recommendation or should
I just ignore it and let it go? TIA.
Warmly,
Chris Hafner-Eaton, PhD, MPH, CHES, IBCLC    [log in to unmask]
mom, wife, educator, lactation consultant, researcher, scientist, author,
organic gardener, photographer, lapidary creator, lousy cleaner.

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