In a message dated 4/19/01 11:46:24 AM Central Daylight Time,
[log in to unmask] writes:


> The studies that show that effective emptying of the breast is the best w=
> ay
> to maintain supply are confirmed, in my mind, by the fact that babies who=
>
> use nipple shields, like moms who have to pump for long term (orofacial
> abnormalities, long term ICU, etc.) CAN maintain a full milk supply.  =
>
>

"Can" being the operative word in that sentence......because we do know that
there are nursing dyads with which the shield reduces what baby is able to
extract and therefore causes low weight gain, mastitis, etc.

It seems to me that there are predominantly two VERY different situations
being discussed.  One being that of a micro preemie/preemie with suck
difficulties for a variety of reasons/FT with tongue issues that need a
"tool" to assist in their learning curve......in which case it can be used
very positively.  I still see it handed to moms by nurses/relative/friend to
be used to "give a break" from sore nipples when there are no latch problems
and then creating a latch problem due to it's use.....which is obviously
negative.  Whether you do your work predominantly with the former or the
latter would make a difference on how they are viewed.

Cheryl Taylor White
Oklahoma City, OK

             ***********************************************
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