When a baby has trouble latching onto your breast to breastfeed, you can try wearing a nipple shield to help the baby latch. When you then want to transition to your bare nipple, the baby may have trouble making the transition because the bare nipple feels different and may even be shaped differently, creating confusion for the baby. Because wearing a nipple shield during breastfeeding can affect milk supply and the overall experience of breastfeeding, it may be preferable to transition the baby from the nipple shield to the bare nipple over time to continue the nursing relationship.
Instructions
- 1
Attempt to feed your baby without the nipple shield at every feeding. Be patient and persevere without frustration, even if the baby never chooses to latch without the shield. Consistency may lead to a breakthrough.
2Remove the nipple shield quickly during a pause in the feeding, after your baby has already started to receive milk from you initial let-down, or milk ejection reflex. Trying to transition the baby from the nipple shield to the bare nipple while the milk already flows may help encourage the baby to latch on.
3Create a relaxing atmosphere for you and your baby to bond. Take a bath with your baby or spend a day in bed getting as much skin-to-skin contact with him as possible. Closeness with your baby may help encourage him to nurse from the bare nipple, and relaxing with him helps release any tension or anxiety that might accompany the transition.
4Transition your baby from a regular nipple shield to a smaller, more fitted variety. Use a shield made from silicone that does not add extra bulk to the nipple, but rather helps shape it, as an interim solution between the regular nipple shield and bare nipple.
5Consult a lactation expert if you need additional help. General practice physicians or pediatricians may not be able to give specific advice about breastfeeding problems. Lactation consultants specialize in helping mothers and babies enjoy and succeed at nursing.
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