I have been asked to make my posts briefer so:
I am sure everyone will jump in on this, but it should be said
categorically that suckling at the breast is not more work than
bottle-feeding, and in fact requires less energy and effort.
That is, of course, if the breast is producing adequate milk and letting
down, and the baby has no problems that have conditioned him to use his
mouth in ways that make bottlefeeding more effective for him/her than
breastfeeding is.
Both are complex oromuscular activities, but Meier's work makes it quite
clear that breastfeeding is easier in scientific terms. Not surprising when
you consider that the well-latched baby has to swallow milk being deposited
in his mouth by a positive pressure gradient...

Maureen Minchin, IBCLC, 5 St, George's Rd., Armadale Vic 3143 Australia
tel/fax till maybe end January or mid Feb: 61.3.95094929 or 95000648
tel/fax after that: will let you know
Address (date depends on renovations; will post): Christ Church Vicarage,
14 Acland St., St.Kilda, Vic. 3182 Australia