Rachel, you asked what the directions were, that are enclosed with the
nipple shields sold directly to the public
I have pasted the info' that comes with the Avent shield that we have as
stock at our hospital for you:

"Avent Nipple Protectors
Standard
Avent Nipple Protectors are made of paper-thin soft, odourless silicone to
protect sore or cracked nipples during breastfeeding. Set in a butterfly
shape, the Avent Nipple Protectors allow maximum contact between baby
and breast. Your baby can feel -and smell your skin, stimulating your milk
supply whilst sucking, and will return easily to the breast once healed.
Reduction in milk supply has been found with ordinary nipple shields. Due to
the
shape of the Avent Nipple Protector there is contact between mother and
baby, with the very important feature of 'nose to breast, chin to breast'.
This
is considered the optimum way to feed baby, as there is no silicone barrier
to
cause a reduction in milk supply. Nipple shields are not designed for
constant usage, rather as an interim  measure to allow baby to breast-feed
if mother's nipples are cracked or sore. Avent Nipple Protectors are now
also
available in a small size."

No mention of follow up with a health professional, nor 'insurance' pumping
to protect supply, nor how to get baby back to breast.
No mention of how to choose a size.
No mention of how to clean shield etc etc.
I find a lot of mothers do not realise that the cut out bit is to go where
the nose is, so I constantly see these babies with noses covered by the
shield!
I also find they are not aware of turning the shield out slightly when
applying.

I am also interested in how people decide between the various brands.

Cheers
Karen Clements IBCLC
Melb Australia

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