Subject: | |
From: | |
Reply To: | |
Date: | Fri, 21 Oct 2005 10:03:49 EDT |
Content-Type: | text/plain |
Parts/Attachments: |
|
|
Tiffany, nipple confusion is a broad topic with much debate. I have done a
couple talks on this subject and have read many different theories.
There is definitely an issue with the newborn who gets the first
introduction of an artificial nipple prior to breastfeeding and mom has challenging
nipples. This is a baby who has a very sensitive suck stimuli and now needs a
long firm object to respond to.
Next comes the rate of flow. Bottles always flow faster, therefore giving
larger amounts than a mother's breast ever would. Some babies may then want
this response when going to the breast and are not happy when it does not
happen.
I truly believe the best approach in the early days for giving babies milk
other than from the breast should be either the spoon, cup, or paladai. These
methods allow the baby to control their intake and not introduce a long firm
stimulation into their mouths.
The later issue on "nipple confusion" where you have a baby who is
exclusively breastfeeding and then offered a bottle and refuses to take it is a
complex picture. Most babies have no problem going back and forth with breastfeedin
g and bottle feeding. Some of the issues for the baby is separation from
mom. I hate hearing stories of how parents and health care providers talk
about how to get a baby to "take a bottle". The association of feeding should
always be pleasant and babies are very aware when it is a confrontation and
battle. I tell parents to always keep feedings fun and low key. Use imitation
and praise when introducing a bottle to a baby.
My last point is that babies never have to have a bottle. Babies can go
from breast to cup and do just fine.
Tell moms to establish the breastfeeding, enjoy their babies and there is
always a way to keep their babies fed once that times come when they will be
away.
Ann Perry, RN IBCLC
Boston, MA
***********************************************
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(R)
mailer for lightning fast mail delivery. For more information, go to:
http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html
|
|
|