tif@gamma.UUCP (Barbara Charles) (03/20/86)
> There is a small plastic devise that mothers' with inverted nipples use.
The nipple shield has been around for years and it has been found (check
with La Leche Leaque in your area) that it is more of a hindrance than
a help. Yes, the baby does feel she/he is nursing on a bottle, but
your milk flow is not stimulated has well as if the baby is nursing by
you. Result: 1) limited milk supply 2) breaking baby from nipple shield.
A copy of the "Womanly Art of Breastfeeding" by the La Leche League is
a must.
If the baby was given a bottle in the hospital, alot of patience, love,
cuddling and understanding is all you need. Sound like alot? It's not
if you truly want to breastfeed. Don't get discouraged. When babies get
bottles in hospitals, they don't have to work for their food and they get
a little lazy. (Bottles are easy to suck on). Breastfed baby's work for
their food. That's one of the reasons it is good for the formation of
their jaws, teeth, bones, etc. Your baby has to work for the milk and that
may be the problem. Make sure the tongue is below the breast when he/she
is nursing. You can simply stick you pinky under the breast to see. If
this isn't happening, take him off and try again. Again I say don't get
discouraged.
Contact the LLL in your area and attend their meetings. A series is
4 meetings - one a month. The first meeting is on "Getting Started"
and the last meeting is on "Weaning, How to Introduce Solids" - these
2 meetings I recommend. The second or third (can't remember which)
is on "Overcoming Difficulties." You might also want to attend that
one. I urge you to attend all the meetings. Having a support group
behind is the best thing. You'll find that someone else out there
is probably having the same kind of problems and that you are not alone.
If I can be of any help, I'm available. Good Luck
Barbara Charles
Bradley Childbirth Instructor
gamma!tif
(201) 740-4352