Perhaps you could get a copy of the following paper to give to the doctor who recommends shields as a prevention for mastitis. Fetherston C, 1998. Risk Factors for Lactation mastitis. Journal of Human Lactation. 14(2):101-109. Using a nipple shield is associated with blocked duct(s) which is a major predictor for mastitis. Use of nipple shield and possible reasons for association with mastitis are discussed in paragraph 2, page 107 of this paper. Regards Cathy Fetherston CM MSc IBCLC > *********************************************** To temporarily stop your subscription: set lactnet nomail To start it again: set lactnet mail (or digest) To unsubscribe: unsubscribe lactnet All commands go to [log in to unmask] The LACTNET mailing list is powered by L-Soft's renowned LISTSERV(R) list management software together with L-Soft's LSMTP(TM) mailer for lightning fast mail delivery. For more information, go to: http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html