Paula Tripp
I rarely use nipple shields but we do have a protocol for weaning. We have
the mom start the feeding with the shield and slip it out about halfway
through the feeding. Also we have moms try to nurse without the shield when
baby is half asleep. Monst moms are no longer using the shield in 48 to 72
hours.
 I had an experience with a mom who was told to cut the shield back to wean
the baby from the shield. The baby ended up with cuts and abrasions on the
roof of the mouth that bled and ended up with a bad case of thrush. So I took
a silicone shield and tried curring it with a variety of instruments, I even
tried filing down the edges. Each time I ended up with very sharp edges.The
old rubber shields were more pliable (which is why they collapsed) and could
be cut smoothly.
Marie Davis