I don't believe I have ever INITIATED the use of a bottle to assess sucking - however, I make many visits to mothers who have already started using a bottle - so then I ask them how the baby sucks at the bottle and if it is appropriate and timely I observe a bottle feeding. Many behaviors can be seen when babies are at the bottle that can give us clues as to what is happening in the breastfeeding - moms even report that they "take just as long" (which then makes me think it is NOT a supply issue but a "milking" issue) or that the baby makes the bottle nipple collapse, or that the baby seems to choke and gulp... Please, let's not get into a discussion against this tool (again) - it is just that, a TOOL - and can be used to support a breastfeeding baby or not depending on how it is used. Jeanette Panchula, BSW, RN, PHN, IBC:C California, USA *********************************************** 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 email list is powered by LISTSERV (R). There is only one LISTSERV. To learn more, visit: http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html