Rachel,
I think cup-feeding is a great idea... The mother can also play around
with the cup, a bit, just as some mothers "tease" a large nipple back
farther in the mouth to transition to breast. With a cup, you can sit
the baby up as straight as possible and tip the cup to varying degrees.
Tipping it up less can sometimes result in the baby sticking his tongue
out farther to lap it.

I found that sucking on fingers and finger-feeding was less effective
for these babies who tightened their mouths and pulled in their tongues,
because they tended to become accustomed to the nice, small finger and
firm pressure. Having a large breast in there, instead, didn't encourage
them to open as wide... they were waiting for the pressure on the end of
the tongue, perhaps.

Just anecdotal...
btw, I recently saw one of the very first babies I helped cup-fed. She
is now in my dd's dance class: seven years old, and also a twin. It is
so nice to have that connection.
Hope this helps
Jo-Anne Elder-Gomes, IBCLC

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