There has been some discussion recently about the difference between bottle
and breastfeeding and the semantics used to describe it. Someone mentioned the
idea that a baby may have trouble latching or prefer the bottle because it is
"harder" to breast feed. We all hear this sentiment every day.....moms are
discouraged from using a bottle early on because the baby may learn to prefer the
"easier" route etc... Frankly, I cringe every time I hear this and I'm
wondering how others feel. It has to be a powerfully undermining idea to think that
you are forcing your fragile newborn to do something "hard" especially when
there is something "easy"! Never mind the fact that many babies make
breastfeeding look easier than..... breathing!
Someone also mentioned their premise that bottle nipples are potentially
confusing ONLY because of their faster flow and the fact that babies will-
naturally "prefer" this to slower. I don't believe that this is the only concern with
bottle nipples.I don't think that you can separate out the impact of the
"connection" made in the baby's mind between a firm, overly identifiable piece of
plastic and food-regardless of the rate of flow. Any thoughts??
Lynn Shea Rn,Bsn,Ibclc
Franklin,Massachusetts

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