Gigi,
The baby does seem to be gaining well (1 oz per day) so that is good news. I
would want to know why the baby is needing the shield to bf, in other words,
how did the use of it start? This may give you a clue as to what is needed
to get the two directly bf again, without the shield at some point in the
future. You may want to check the lactnet archives where there are a lot of
posts about nipple shields and the process of getting baby directly bf
without the shield. But sometimes this takes alot of time. I do not
recommend cutting it, that is discussed in archvies too. I do not recommned
changing to a non-silicone one, as the silicone ones are thinner and more
pliable and allow better access to the breast and better milk transfer.

Laurie Wheeler, RN, MN, IBCLC
Violet Louisiana, s.e. USA

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