In a message dated 1/21/2006 8:36:23 PM Eastern Standard Time,  
[log in to unmask] writes:

Is it  just me or are there others who have thought that it would be nice to
have  "blind" nipple shields that would enable completely non-nutritive
suckling  at the breast?



Karleen, if you have a mother express her breast to a soft state and than  
have the baby come to breast, there is would be very little intake for the  
baby.  Many NICUs allow small preemies to suck at the "empty" breast.   Of course 
we all know that the breast is not technically empty but the flow is  reduced.
Also, babies tend to do their own nonnutritive sucking which does not  
usually bring on a let down so the baby can enjoy the time at the breast without  
worrying about coordinating suck/swallow/breath.  Or at least a very  minimal 
intake.
I think it is very important for the baby's mouth make contact with the  
mother's nipple whenever possible.  
Nipple shields are a great tool for assisting a preemie to stay at the  
breast longer with a larger intake but that is not the discussion at hand.
Ann Perry, RN IBCLC
Boston, MA

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