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HONEYBEE, Marie tells me you are in...
HONEYBEE, Marie tells me you are in need of help weaning from a nipple shield.............more
I will give you general suggestions for weaning from a shield and if you have any other questions please get back to me.
I find that the best way to wean from a nipple shield is to remove it mid feeding. I usually use them as a way to transition babies from bottle to breast especially if mom has retracting nipples. As soon as the baby becomes comfortable and is doing well taking the breast with shield instead of bottle I tell mom to start to remove the shield mid-feeding. You can allow your baby to finish the first breast then offer the second breast without the shield, or remove it after a few minutes on the first breast, try to remove it when a fast/good flow is occuring.
Another technique that can help is to compress the areola with thumb and finger to form or shape the mom's nipple more firmly so it feels firm like the shield in the mouth. As the baby latches and establishes a strong suck pattern gently release the compression.
It is not recommended to cut away the newer silicone nipple shields as they will leave sharp edges.
Definitely use a gentle low key approach if you get too forceful the baby may resist and associate bf with a struggle. Try to maintain the baby's comfort and trust while removing the shield. Try to remove the shield at the feedings that seem to be going the best, some babies definitely do better during the day while others are better at night. If the baby takes the breast without the shield but seems a little confused or reluctant soothe the baby with your soft encouraging words during the process. You will be surprised how your baby can respond to verbal praise.
Good luck, let me know if anything works or if you come up with your own unique idea.
Warmly, Kathy
HONEYBEE, Marie tells me you are in...
HONEYBEE, Marie tells me you are in need of help weaning from a nipple shield.............more
I will give you general suggestions for weaning from a shield and if you have any other questions please get back to me.
I find that the best way to wean from a nipple shield is to remove it mid feeding. I usually use them as a way to transition babies from bottle to breast especially if mom has retracting nipples. As soon as the baby becomes comfortable and is doing well taking the breast with shield instead of bottle I tell mom to start to remove the shield mid-feeding. You can allow your baby to finish the first breast then offer the second breast without the shield, or remove it after a few minutes on the first breast, try to remove it when a fast/good flow is occuring.
Another technique that can help is to compress the areola with thumb and finger to form or shape the mom's nipple more firmly so it feels firm like the shield in the mouth. As the baby latches and establishes a strong suck pattern gently release the compression.
It is not recommended to cut away the newer silicone nipple shields as they will leave sharp edges.
Definitely use a gentle low key approach if you get too forceful the baby may resist and associate bf with a struggle. Try to maintain the baby's comfort and trust while removing the shield. Try to remove the shield at the feedings that seem to be going the best, some babies definitely do better during the day while others are better at night. If the baby takes the breast without the shield but seems a little confused or reluctant soothe the baby with your soft encouraging words during the process. You will be surprised how your baby can respond to verbal praise.
Good luck, let me know if anything works or if you come up with your own unique idea.
Warmly, Kathy
