I think that the issue of nipple confusion is a pivot point of discussion
that is manipulated in some ways. I have not read this article, but I will
do so.

This is an issue of breastfeeding support.  Many NICU  babies have issues
with breathing, and swallowing.  When unsupported in breastfeeding, they
often end up breastfeeding. Since I answer about 4000 breastfeeding
questions a year, and a large percentage are from NICU moms who have been
unsuccessful with breastfeeding,  I see this and hear about it from the
mothers.

I think that the real issue here is not nipple confusion, but belief in
breastfeeding, and true skilled ongoing lactation support according to what
we know as the body of lactation science.  Within the  discussion of "is
there nipple confusion," the issue is simplified, and that there are those
people who want an excuse to maintain a substandard level of breastfeeding
support.

That is my first take on it. There certainly are a lot of babies who would
be breastfeeding perhaps, if they were fully and professionally supported
through whatever difficulties they are having with bf. Despite the
definition of "nipple confusion," or not.

Kathleen

Kathleen B. Bruce, BSN, IBCLC co-owner Lactnet, Indep. Consultant
mailto:[log in to unmask]
http://homepages.together.net/~kbruce/kbblact.html
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