Stay clear of these! (Nipple Shields in General)

Member Name: Claribella

Product:	Nipple Shields in General
Date:	07/03/09 (186 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: None

Disadvantages: Hinder the breast feeding process.

At my baby shower we played a game with nipples shields. We were divided into two teams and had to come up with as many ideas about how they could be used, as possible. As far as I am concerned, this game is all they are good for.

Nipple shields are suppose to protect your nipples whilst you breatfeed your baby. If you have funny shaped nipples then some midwives recommend that you use them as it gives you baby a better latch. A few of my friends have even had them recommended to them when they have been in pain at the start of breast feeding.

The fact is ladies, breast feeding hurts in the beginning. Your nipples will be sore and they may crack or bleed. As time goes on your nipples will become like bullets and you could have a dog latch onto them and it wouldn't manage to make a teeth mark! Your nipples need to go through the pain before they adjust to having your little one chewing on them every second of everyday. If you put nipple shields on then you are hindering that process.

The other problem with nipple shields is that they resemble a bottle teat so much. You may find that your baby will get used to sucking on the nipple shields and when it comes to getting rid of them, your baby will become agitated and not want to suck from you actual nipple. This could result in you not being able to continue breast feeding as you baby may not feed from you and prefer a teat. It's much harder orthem to work the breast than it is for them to work a teat and most babies will go for the easier one given the option.

Over all I would stay away from these if you are intending to breast feed your child because they will almost definately hinder the process of breast feeding.

If you think you would like to pick some up then you can get them from any baby-related stores like Mohercare of BabiesRus and they will set you back around £3. They come in packs of two so you'll have one for each nipple!

Summary: More hassle than they are worth.