To Geoff and Barbara

According to Sandra Lange's article a baby should have their gag reflex
checked to make sure it present before attempting to cup feed.  If the gag
was compromised I would not want to bottle feed either.
Babies who do not do well at the breast I would first try a lactation aid at
the breast so the baby stays at the breast.  I agree with several other posts
that cup feeding has been around much longer than bottles and the breast
should be the first way to feed the baby.
I had a baby who refussed the breast, arching, and crying so I showed the
parents cup feeding.  My pumped, had a great supply, did skin-to-skin
including rebirthing bath, and offering breast each feeding.  It took 4 weeks
to finally get him to exclusive breastfeeding.  When he was cup feeding he
would become excited just being sat on the parents lap, spilled the milk,
drank it down very quickly and gained like crazy.
Cup feeding is not for every baby but it is definatley a good and safe
alternative.  I also recomend it to the parents who state that at the time
they will be going back to work and the baby refusses the bottle.
Sorry for the long post.

Ann Perry RN IBCLC
N. Andover, Ma