Jennifer:  Funny you should mention this mother's thoughts on the nipple
shield which is so quickly given out by hospital staff as a quick-fix.  I
have never, and I repeat NEVER!, encountered a mother truly committed to BF
who has stated that she liked using a nipple shield.  All tell me they
realized (quickly) what a mistake it was to even start with one.  I have
also never encountered a mother truly committed to BF who has said she
enjoyed her pumping experience, even when she knows that it's unavoidable
(such as returning to work or pumping for a sick baby).  But that's another
issue.
I used to recommend that nipple shields be cut down gradually, but no
longer do, because of the reason that Heather gives.  On a couple of
occasions I have had moms show me superficial lacerations on the nipple
where it is being pulled thru the cut end of the newer silicon shield
during nursing.  I also own a collection of cut-down NUK nipples that a
mother graciously donated to me. I think there are at least 8 nipples in
various stages of cut-down.  She had been told be her pediatrician to do
this and already had this collection going when she finally came to see
me.  At the end of the nursing session in my office, baby pulled off - with
the tip of her tongue stuck in the cut end of the NUK nipple!  Fortunately,
no damage was done, but it certainly startled the mom, who did go on to
successfully wean her baby to the bare breast.
Good Luck to this mother - she may never be able to get him off the shield,
but I would certainly offer her tons of support and encouragement and
remind her frequently that nursing sessions are not a battleground.

Pam Hirsch, RN,BSN,CLC
Clinical Lead, Lactation Services
Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital
Barrington, IL  USA

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