[-river-]

I'm currently expressing but still attempting to get a tach right and possibly brèastfeed. I have never tried the shields but I have been given a sheild to try.

I'm having some issues.. The sheild slips and won't stay put, my baby grabs it or knocks it and it moves out of place, if I manage to eat him on my nipple still pinches and my baby bites down on thevsèild.

Any tips?

[AnnBB]

What type of shield are you using? I found some of the cheaper brands wouldn't stay put. Try the Medela ones. I found them to be the best- a bit more lifelike.
In order to make them stick, use a bit of breast milk or water and rub it on the inside and stretch the shields over your breast/ nipple so you get a good seal. That way it will be harder for your baby to knock it loose.
Good luck.

[lucky 2]

Hi there, I'd suggest you see a LC asap so she can watch a feed and help you with a nipple shield or give any other help that she can.
All the best.
http://www.thewomens.org.au/Nippleshields

[SnazzySass]

I used a shield because I had flattish nipples so what worked for me may not work for you. I would express a little milk into the shield ( i used medela) then position it over my nipple making sure the hole was up the top where DS’s nose was going to be then I squeezed the nipple bit on the shield to get my nipple to go into the shield a bit and at the same time expressed a bit more milk. The milk made the shield stick. I cupped my boob from underneath and held my fingers like a V at the edges of the shield so I could lift my boob up to his mouth( I also have big boobs). The milk in the end made my DS less impatient while I adjusted.

When I first started using the shields I just stuck them on using waterproof dressing tape or a bandaid ( with my LCs blessing) a tip if you are going to do that is to choose where you will stick them and then put a bit of tape on your boob and then only stick the shield to that bit of tape rather than flesh otherwise the constant irritation can leave scares I learned this using a supplementary nursing system, I wish I had learned it earlier.

[Lokum]

Wrap the baby up tightly before you start, with hands tight against his side so he can't knock the shield off. This was one of our biggest problems in the beginning.

If the baby is 'biting down,' there's still a big problem, and like Lucky2 said, you need a MCHN or LC to help you.

There should be a bit of air between the end of your nipple and the end of the shield. If there's not, the size might be too small. Apparently Medela Large work for lots of people.

and you need to thrust the shield quite far back down the baby's mouth - wait until he opens up wide and shove it in! Get some help - shields can really make a difference.

[PreachersWife]

I use the avent shields which are shaped a little differently to the Medela ones, but I also to the v-shape with my middle and index fingers to hold the shield in place while DD latches on. I also found a few drops of milk on the sides of the shield help it stick.

Im assuming that your baby is very little so you might find a breastfeeding pillow useful, I did with DD1. The pillow helped lift her to the right height, so I could have two hands to get her attached. Or even try feeding lying down, so baby is supported near your breast and you can concentrate on getting and keeping the shielding place? Once she was bigger and stronger the whole process got a lot easier.

DD2 is five months now, so lots of swiping at the sheild, knocking it off etc. Ill often leave her wrapped for the feed which can help with the distractions. I agree that having an LC watch you feed would be best. Good Luck