Karyn wrote:
Date:    Tue, 7 Oct 2008 16:34:27 -0700
From:    Karyn-grace Clarke <[log in to unmask]>
Subject: Weaning 7 month off sheild... is it possible?

Hello, wise ones.  Permission to post.

 I have a client who is still using a nipple shield with a 7 month old.  I
have posted about this dyad before.  Never expected her to keep nursing this
long - it's a very complicated, but heart warming story.  Took until 6
months post partum before she actually enjoyed the breastfeeding experience.

This mom would really like to wean off the shield, but the baby is very
attached to it.  I have no experience weaning such an 'old' baby off a
shield. typical methods have gone nowhere.  We did get the baby latched a
few times in the early days without the shield, but only with my assistance.
Once, with another professional's assistance to latch without shield, mom
had 12 hours of intense nipple pain after the feed.  At the time, she
decided to just keep using the shield and worry about it later.  It is now
later, and she feels that she will not make her 12 month nursing goal if she
cannot get off the shield.

 When we attempt to latch without the shield now, baby takes one look at the
breast and just screams!

Does anyone here have experience weaning an older baby off the shield?  This
mom is really hoping for a step-by-step process.

Thanks so much.

Karyn-grace Clarke, IBCLC

Nanaimo, BC, Canada

Hello Karyn!
I think it could be possible to wean from the shield.....
As I´m not sure what "typical methods" are, I might say something you allready have tried: 
I think she should start with having the baby "take" the shield.....(as with a breast naturelle) 
not by starting the breastfeed by putting the shield in the babys mouth. 
When that works, she should start to btreastfeed with the shield on 
and after a few minutes she can try to take it off. 
Then the baby probably wants more
and - perhapes takes the breast without the shield.
If it doesn´t work - put the shield back. Try again  later - or next feed...
Try to take it off when the baby is less hungry, the nipple has been "shaped" and the milk flow is good.
Try to do it as quick as possible, so that the baby just takes the breast without noticing that something has happened with the breast...Until it might feel strange in the babys mouth. BUT if the milk flow is good, the baby might go on feeding.....
And if it doesn´t work - put the shield back and try again  - and again. 
But do try to keep the baby happy!
NIGHTS are often the best time......
There is often less protest at night - maybe the babies are to tired.
Hope this can be of any help. ( or is it just what she has tried already?)
Best whishes
Mia Westlund
Midwife IBCLC in Sweden.

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