I used one for a while too. I have very large breasts and she would not latch for anything. I think I used it for 4 weeks. When she really got the hang of it(it took a long time for her to latch correctly or not to fall asleep) i would start a feed with her using it, then after a few minutes take it off and introduce my breast without it. Sometimes she would do okay, sometimes she would need it again, so i'd put it back on. Each time i fed her I went without it for longer and longer. it was a slow process but she did get the hang of nursing without it. Mine would wear out it seemed, I don't think they're good forever, lol. The shape wouldn't hold and it had trouble sticking to my breast. Target sells them along with the other medela items and I bought a few of them, but I can't remember how much they were. I could tell a huge difference when i used a new one. it stuck better and she could latch better. They say not to use them for a long time because it can cause nipple damage but I've heard of women using it for a long time with no problems at all. It is nice not having to wonder where it is and if it's clean all of the time. Good luck. keep up the great work!

I used them.. my DS had a shallow latch. It helped him to learn a proper deep latch. I used them from 4-8 weeks. Occasionally my DS reverts back to his old lazy latch ways so I pop the shield back on. I didn't notice any change other than a better latch. I would suggest getting several to have around the house. Good luck!

I used one with my DS for 3 months. I tried throughout the three months without it and he just wouldn't latch. Until one day he just got it. Life is easier without it now but I was so determined for him to be breast fed, I used it for as long as I had to. I would still be using it now at 6 months if we needed it. I know LC's say not to use them for very long but if it is what works for you and you are as determined as I to breast-feed then don't stop. I would suggest to try once a week to see if she will latch without it. One day she will probably be okay with out it. Good luck!!!

I used one for about 8 weeks - I have short/flat nipples and an overactive letdown. Once my milk came in I was so engorged for 2 weeks that I couldn't even consider nursing without it. Once DS was 5 weeks old I started trying to wean him off - be prepared, it can be frustrating! I cried at nearly every feeding for 3 weeks until one day he just decided that he didn't need the shield anymore. (right about the time I relaxed and made the decision to just use it as long as he needed it)

Be sure to wash between each use and sterilize at least once a day to prevent bacteria growth. I think you can probably use one for a few months (hopefully you won't need to) if you see any cracks or the plastic starts to look cloudy it's time to change.

i would try to wean off i. log-term it can cause supply issues
http://www.nbci.ca/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=74:nipple-shields&catid=5:information&Itemid=17

I had to use a nipple shield the entire 9 months I BF my son and my milk supply was fine, no change in it. I tried to wean him off of the shield, but he never could get a good latch without it.