Hi Dr. Chen, I am thinking that there must be some reason that the babies are being cup fed. So I am thinking that there already is a breastfeeding 'problem' of some kind manifested with the baby in question. Maybe the baby has already had trouble latching and does not open wide, even before the cup was introduced. The alternative method of feeding should ideally be used for a very short time, if possible, (as Kathleen B said) or the baby could maybe 'lose' his instinctive rooting reflex to some extent. also if mother/baby separation is happening, i think this can affect the normal baby behaviors including the wide gape that should be happening. keep them together as much as is possible. Laurie Wheeler, IBCLC, MN, RN New Orleans Louisiana, s.e. USA _________________________________________________________________ Protect your PC - get McAfee.com VirusScan Online http://clinic.mcafee.com/clinic/ibuy/campaign.asp?cid=3963 *********************************************** To temporarily stop your subscription: set lactnet nomail To start it again: set lactnet mail (or digest) To unsubscribe: unsubscribe lactnet All commands go to [log in to unmask] The LACTNET mailing list is powered by L-Soft's renowned LISTSERV(R) list management software together with L-Soft's LSMTP(TM) mailer for lightning fast mail delivery. For more information, go to: http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html