I think that using the expression "nipple confusion" can be more helpful to 
the mother, rather than "nipple preference" or "breast rejection." Mothers 
whose babies won't suckle at the breast (especially if the baby will eagerly 
and happily take a bottle) often feel hurt and rejected, and suggesting that 
the baby "prefers" the bottle or the fast flow from the bottle can make her 
feel worse. I hear it from mothers all the time - the baby preferred the 
bottle, I wanted to give him what he wants. It seems like a kinder, more 
nurturing thing to do.

What I try to say is that "your baby really does want to breastfeed. He's 
just confused at the moment - it seems easier to get milk from the bottle 
(or cup for that matter) right now and we need to work on things so he'll be 
able to get milk just as efficiently from you. And then he'll get all the 
other good things about breastfeeding that he wants, too."

Confusion is easier for many mothers to work with than preference. And I 
think it's true - the baby really does want to breastfeed, or would if he 
understood all the ramifications.

Teresa Pitman 

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