As a hospital LC working with 250+ deliveries a month, I do see a handful of babies on a weekly basis who are needing short-term use of a shield.  This is typically a baby who clearly wants to nurse and is crying with frustration frequently, which causes mom to cry and dad to pace.  Usually a mom in this scenario has very firm tissue which is hard for baby to draw into his mouth.  At the point where the mom is begging for a bottle, I introduce a shield and of course all the teaching that goes with it.  Our hospital does offer outpatient lactation services and we typically see 20-25 mom/baby pairs for f/u on a weekly basis for a variety of reasons.  We are typically able to wean a baby off a shield by the second week, premies usually need a bit longer.  Like everything else, a shield is a tool to be used carefully and it does have its benefits.  



Anne Duret, RN IBCLC

Oregon



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