Hello Netters,

I know I have put in a post in the past on cutting away shields, but here
we go again because I feel it is an important issue.  Being a consultant
for Medela, I know that the company does not endorse cutting away the
silicone nipple shield to wean a baby off the shield.  I am the one
responsible for writing or editing many of the instructions.  There has
been a baby in the past that has been damaged due to the "rough" edges of
someone cutting the shield back, not the silicone shield though.  Don't
forget baby's skin/mucous membranes are delicate.  It only takes one case
to become a problem.  I know this has and is being done, not to mention  my
past practices, but  we need to be responsible as professionals and know
there may be consequences for things we might do or suggest mothers to do. 
As long as you use the product as suggested by the manufacturer, you are
covered by their product malpractice insurance.  Anything else you try to
rig up or change you are on your own in court if anything would happen.  
Just an FYI for everyone.  By the way, there are past posts on nipple
shields and weaning in the archives.  Do not forget that many babies
successfully BF on shields without any difficult.  As long as baby has good
weight gain and mom doesn't mind the shield, what is wrong with it?????  I
have had moms BF for 1 yr on the shields.  Not that I like it, but does
that matter?  Mom is happy and baby is happy BFing.   That is what I really
am trying to support and encourage in this field.
Pat Bull, RN, IBCLC
The Breastfeeding Connection/Medela
Naperville, Il 
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