tif@gamma.UUCP (Barbara Charles) (01/22/86)
I am a new user to the network with a information for the new parents out there.I am also a Bradley Natural Childbirth Instructor trained in childbirth,
pregnancy and nutrition and breastfeeding and would be glad to help or
answer any questions you have.
I did see a disturbing "recommendation" to a soon-to-be new mom and I would
like to add a professional opinion if I may. Nipple shield for breastfeeding
should be cautioned against.
Quote: "The baby gets hooked on it, and breastfeeding is never fully
satisfying. The impulses to the brain that normally come from a baby sucking
directly on mother, are fewer and the secretion and let down of the milk is
slowed. Baby does not gain as well as he should and before long doctor is
talking about formula supplement. Besides coming between mother and baby
and interfering with the establishment of breastfeeding, nipple shields
can also harbor germs. Cleaning them thoroughly is a time-consuming chose
They rarely help sore nipples anyway and sometimes makes them worse. In
short, a nipple shield is an extra bother that continues long after the
mother's nipples woul have healed with the more natural measures
for clearing up. ("The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding - La Leche Leaque
International).
Now, as a Childbirth Instructor I suggest A&D Ointment or Vitamin E for
sore nipples. Both are excellent and do not have to be washing off before
baby nurses at next feeding. Lanolin is now out. It makes everything
smoothe as can be but does not promote healing. (Sorry to all you mothers
who used it in the past).
To prevent sore nipples (please do before baby is born)
- after taking a shower, rub towel lightly but briskly across to toughen them
up. Also buy nursing bras and wear with flap down until baby is born.
Friction of nipple rubbing up against clothing will also toughen them up.
Good luck to mothers and fathers to be!
Barbara Charles
Bradley Childbirth Instructor