I should add that no one at the ad hoc nipple shield session at the ILCA
conference felt that nipple shields should be tossed about like petals from
a flower girl.  They all used them only after other approaches failed, and
made sure moms got close follow-up.

On the other hand, several reminded us that if the shield isn't interfering
with weight gain, "why be so insistent on getting rid of it?"  Most of
their babies eventually went to breast;  a very few nursed longterm with a
shield w/o negative consequences.  (Except that Mom better keep it away
from the dog and better be sure to take it to the mall ;-) )

One mom called her LC for ideas on getting rid of the shield.  She was
sitting on the bed while she talked, w/ baby on the bed.  She leaned over
the baby to reach across the bed for her nipple shield...  "Oh," she said,
"I guess we don't need help after all."

Diane Wiessinger, Ithaca, NY