What do you tell moms about getting *off* the nipple shield? The literature tells us we shouldn't "cut back" on the "hat" part of the (newer, better) silicone shields, as this may produce sharp edges that can hurt mom or babe. I tell mom to offer breast first -- without shield -- because there are those babies who just decide one day that shieldless is okay. If that isn't working, I suggest mom offer the first part of the feed with shield -- then "whip it away" when baby is in a semi-sated, and presumably more cooperative, mood. And, I suggest that those early-morning feeds are often the best time to "go natural:" baby (and mom!) are sleepy enough that instinctive suckling may kick in. I've read of a suggestion to "stuff" the end of the nipple shield, on the theory that baby will soon give up on the milkless-shielded-nipple, and then accept the breast. That seems so cruel -- and, counter-productive for a dyad that has already experienced so much BF difficulty that shields and LCs are part of the scenario already. But I have always thought most of these suggestions stink. Anyone have a better way? Liz Brooks, JD, IBCLC Wyndmoor, PA, USA _________________________________________________________________ Get 10MB of e-mail storage! Sign up for Hotmail Extra Storage. http://join.msn.com/?PAGE=features/es *********************************************** 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