My name is Lindsey Cash and I am a student at the University of North
Dakota.  This is my first time posting a topic of interest on Lactnet.
I was interested in the issue of "nipple confusion" in newborns and
techniques that would lessen the likelihood of that happening.  When
researching different techniques of feeding I kept coming across the
method of cup feeding.  I had never heard of cup feeding and wanted to
learn more about it.  I also checked the archives and this topic has
been brought up in the past a few times.  This may not be new
information to some of you but I would like to share some of my findings
with you and ask a few questions.
Cup feeding is an alternative method to bottle feeding for mothers who
may need to supplement.  There are many reasons why a mother may need to
supplement in addition to breast feeding.  Some of the most common ways
to supplement, include bottle-feeding, finger-feeding, and cup feeding.
 In an study by Rocha, Martinez, and Jorge (2002), they wanted to
research the effects on oxygen saturation, weight gain, and
breastfeeding on preterm infants that were cup fed versus bottle fed.
The study showed that cup fed babies had similar weight gain patterns as
bottle fed babies.  Cup fed babies had fewer episodes of  saturation
levels dropping while feeding than bottle fed babies.  Also at a 3 month
follow up visit, cup fed babies had a higher percentage of mothers still
breastfeeding than ones that were bottle fed.
Howard et al (2003),  noted that in parts of the world where pacifiers
and artificial nipples are not commonly used and in instances where
supplementation is required,  cup feeding is used.  Nipple confusion was
not very common in these areas.  Howard et al (2003) also noted that cup
feeding was safe and beneficial for preterm and term babies.
Marinelli, Burke, and Dodd (2001) article also agreed in the safety of
cup feeding.   This article also found cup fed infants to have lower
heart rates and higher oxygen saturations then while bottle feeding.
The questions I have are as follows:  Does your facility promote cup
feeding over bottle feeding when supplementing a breast fed baby?  Do
you find there to be less nipple confusion in these infants?  And do you
 recommend cup feeding to parents over bottle feeding when they are
still trying to breast feed?

Thank you for your time,
Lindsey Cash, SN
University of North Dakota

References:

Howard, C.R., Howard, F.M., Lanphear, B., Eberly, S., deBlieck, E.A.,
Oakes, D., and   Lawrence, R.A. (2003).  Randomized Clinical Trial of
Pacifier Use and Bottle-Feeding or Cupfeeding and Their Effect on
Breast-feeding.  Pediatrics, 111(3), 511-518.

Marinelli, K.A., Burke. G.S., and Dodd, V.I. (2001).  A Comparison of
the Safety of Cupfeedings and Bottlefeedings in Premature Infants Whose
Mothers Intend to Breastfeed.  Journal of Perinatology, 21, 350-355.

Rocha, N.M.N., Martinez, F.E., and Jorge, S.M.  (2002).  Cup or Bottle
for Preterm Infants:  Effects on Oxygen Saturation, Weight Gain, and
Breastfeeding.  Journal of Human Lactation, 18(2), 132-138.

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