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Subject:
From:
"Cher Sealy, LLL Leader" <[log in to unmask]>
Reply To:
Lactation Information and Discussion <[log in to unmask]>
Date:
Thu, 17 Sep 1998 08:38:35 EDT
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Toni asked how to help a mom get off a nipple shield.  I have never found
trimming away a silicone shield to be effective.  And, yes, any baby used to a
shield is going to be mad when the shield is taken off--in his mind, you've
just cut off the food supply.  I teach moms to work backward.  At the end of
the feeding, when baby has got a full tummy, is relaxed and no longer frantic
with hunger, remove the shield and try getting the baby back on. I tell her to
be patient with the baby, and if it doesn't work the first time, don't
worry--try again next feeding.  With time, gradually work backwards.  Remove
it 3/4 of the way through the feeding, then half-way, etc.  This has worked
well for the moms I have worked with.  There is no way to tell this mom how
long it will take.  There are babies that only need the shield for one
feeding--others may need it days, weeks, or even months.  I have worked with a
number of women who used a nipple shield for 3 months or long--all had babies
that were gaining well.  Yet, all of them told me they felt guilty because
everyone else was telling them they needed to get the baby off.  I do explain
that nipple shields have been shown to reduce "milk transfer."  Understanding
that concept, the mom is then aware that she may need to nurse a little longer
than she would without the shield in order to get the same amount of milk into
her baby.  If she is also aware of signs of adequate intake (wet diapers,
stools, etc.) then baby should do fine.
Cher Sealy, RN, BSN, IBCLC

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