Sara -- I suspect the key to having these babies "turn the corner" and start
breastfeeding is getting them enough calories.  Underfed babies are
disorganized at breast, sometimes to the point that they just cannot
breastfeed despite dripping milk and wide gape.  I try to have them gain the
nutrition they so desperately need at breast (nipple shield with feeding tube
under, if necessary -- anything to keep the baby at breast).  If parents
cannot do this (takes some dexterity and patience) then I encourage them to
use droppers, syringes or cups.  If they look at me with total disbelief re
bottle alternatives then bottle it is.  I  don't want to scare them away from
me by being too adamant about no bottles.  Mom has to pump to stimulate
supply.

So far my experience is that these healthy, term babies (just underfed) start
breastfeeding within 36 hours and are off nipple shield within 72 hours (if
moms nipples are protractile).

Joanna Koch, IBCLC