In a message dated 2/29/2004 10:18:27 AM Eastern Standard Time,
[log in to unmask] writes:
Naomi, you wrote:
       "In general, even babies who refuse bottles will take them when there
is no alternative and they are hungry."
I agree with Dee.  I receive phone calls from mothers frequently stating that
they were either told to with hold feeding the baby or heard it somewhere so
that a baby would learn to take a bottle.
If this method works, I don't believe the parents have developed a good
relationship around feeding.  Babies remember negative experiences and with holding
food when hungry is negative.
My theory is that the refusal of taking a bottle is not revolved around the
vessel but the circumstances around the situation.  Babies are very perceptive
to what is going on around them and if they sense that something unpleasant is
about to happen they will be unhappy and uncooperative.
It could be the baby's memory of a forceful feeding earlier in their little
life.  It could be the worried look on the parent's face as they give the
bottle or the conversations in the house revealing the stress of the baby refusing
to take a bottle.
I tell parents that feeding needs to be pleasant and non-stressful.  I tell
them to make it a game and lavish the baby with praises for every little effort
they make towards taking the bottle or cup.
I have no research to back my theories just common human instincts.  What I
find very interesting is that clinicians who suggest to parents to with hold
food to their babies to "make them take a bottle" are the same ones who have a
fit if a newborn goes more than 4 hours without nursing and therefore has to be
supplemented with formula.  (Sorry, I will step off my soapbox now.)
Trying to keep everyone happy and healthy.
Ann Perry RN, IBCLC
Boston, MA

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