Question:
I have been using nipple shields for the past 4 months to breastfeed my son due to problems with sore, cracked, bleeding and scabbed nipples. They worked great and my nipples are now cleared up. I would like to take the nipple shields away now, but my baby does not seem to want to give them up and will not nurse without them. Please advise!
Answer:
Your baby is probably going through a nipple confusion issue, but it is quite fixable. The process will take approximately one week to complete and since you have had previous problems with your nipples, the gradual process will be good for your nipples as well!
Start the feeding with your nipple shield on. When you are ¾ of the way through the feeding or 5 minutes from the end of the feeding, remove the nipple shield and allow your child to nurse without the shield. Squeeze a little breast milk onto his lips first so that he knows he is still getting the same thing. Each day, work backwards and gradually reduce the time he is using the nipple shield. Eventually he will not want it anymore. This does work, but you will need to be patient.
A sleepy baby is a little easier to “fool” than a hungry, crying baby so keep that in mind!
If your baby has been receiving bottles as well, be sure the nipple hole size is similar work to sucking on the breast. He is going to want to go for the easiest meal!
Do not force feed your baby. This is never an option.