I am not yet sure of the studies (references) I will take the time to look
them up today.  But am sure that there are many on this list who know
them. (You may already have received private replies.) I remember hearing
and reading that breastfeeding is actually easier on the premature infant

Oxygen levels and heart rate are said to be better in the breastfed infant
and I believe the baby can breastfeed sooner than take the bottle.  To
monitor intake, often the baby will be tube fed then breastfed on the 'dry'
breast (mother has pumped first).

Now this is just off the top of my head, but I will look further and find
the references for you.  Of course, if someone beats me to it that will get
the info out to you and other interested persons sooner.

Cheryl Marian, CLC, CLE

             ***********************************************
The LACTNET mailing list is powered by L-Soft's renowned
LISTSERV(R) list management software together with L-Soft's LSMTP(TM)
mailer for lightning fast mail delivery. For more information, go to:
http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html