I agree with Tina.  I have also found that some mothers are able to keep
trying if they are "allowed" to use bottles.  I like to choose the
alternative feeding method that will help the baby develop the
particular feeding skills he/she lacks.  If the baby has a small gape
(mouth opening), a wide based bottle nipple placed deeply in the mouth
might help him to learn to suck with the mouth open more.  For babies
who are refusing to bf but seem to have the ability to do so ("nipple
confused"), I recommend that the mother either alternate feeding methods
so the baby realizes that food comes from different sources (for
example, she fingerfeeds when she has more time, bottlefeeds when she
has less, and uses a cup once a day), then when baby starts to attempt
to take the breast, she only uses baby's least favorite feeding method
while continuing to offer the breast.  I have also found the prone
("self attachment") position helpful for reluctant babies.
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Catherine Watson Genna, IBCLC  NYC  mailto:[log in to unmask]