I finally got rid of the shield, but...

[Manderzthegr8]

now my nipples are SOOOO sore!!!!!!!!

I finally ditched the shield a few weeks ago. we had been using it for about 2 months. but now without it my nipples hurt so bad. it feels like i'm right back at the beginning (because well... i kinda am in a way)

please tell me this gets better!! i almost dread having to feed her because they hurt and that makes me so sad

[mibarra]

Did you go cold turkey? I weaned off mine slowly to prevent that and toughen my nipples. It gets better!

[Manderzthegr8]

not completely cold turkey. for the first few days i would start with the shield then remove after a little bit. but then i just ditched the shield cause i was sick of having to keep track of it and all that.

[mibarra]

I did it by feedings. Once she was shield free for half of the feedings, i ditched it. It hurt quite a bit for a week or two, then got better.

[KB'sMama1031]

It does get better! But please double check your latch, there is a difference between your nipples getting used nursing skin to skin and a improper latch wreaking havoc on them! If it doesnt improve soon I would see if its a latch issue

[Naturally Wise]

I agree to check the latch, but know it gets better!! Good for you for trying so hard. It's downhill from here. :-)

[Connor]

I agree with the pps, make sure the latch is good and baby is latched onto as much areola as possible.

[devynstarr]

i used a shield exclusively for the first few weeks and it took us another few weeks to wean completely off of it and my nipples were definitely pretty sensitive/tender the first few weeks being shield-free but it got better pretty quickly. i think one of the most important things is to make sure your LO has a good latch, that can have a huge effect on how your nipples feel good luck mama & hang in there, it will get better soon!

[JAGRRS]

It does get much better! Use some lanolin type product to help too