I have not seen the Breastfeeding Review article that Diane W. mentioned
regarding the therapeutic use of a bottle, but I have seen many such cases
in our lactation center.  How refreshing to see somthing that we have been
doing in practice written up!

The mothers who come to our clinic are already stressed and many of the
infants are nutritionally compromised.  It is not unusual for us to use the
bottle (with specific teats--we tell mothers that there are only 2 brands
recommended for mixing breast and bottle) to buy a bit of time and then
have baby at breast at the next appointment.  We keep mothers milk moving
with an appropriate pump and keep baby fed using the bottle.  Even the
little ones who seem to refuse to eat can be gently but persistently fed
with the bottle until they feel well enough to manage on their own.

I have been in this business for 20 years and even a few years ago would
not have thought that I would be in a clinic that not only used, but
stocked, bottles.  But I have seen it work so many times.

Mothers who would have stopped breastfeeding have continued because of a
manageable care plan that included the use of a bottle.

I would like to see a copy of the Breastfeeding Review article.  Is is on
the web?  Can anyone send me a copy of it?  Thanks!  And thanks to Diane
for calling attention to the important article.


Pardee Hinson, MPH, IBCLC
Carolinas Lactation Center
Charlotte, NC