Chonyi writes:
"What I'm worried about is this- I find them so
helpful and easy to use that I worry they will become popular and
abused."

We have that problem with our nurses.  Now that the Haberman is
available, some
think it is carte blanche to supplement any ole time they feel like it.
After
all, with the Haberman it's just like breastfeeding, isn't it?
AARRGGHH!

As for what is closer to breastfeeding, each method of supplementation
has its advantages and disadvantages.  What is "closer" depends on the
reason for supplementing, mom's nipple shape, baby's sucking patterns,
and probably other factors we may not be aware of.  The variable flow of
the Haberman allows the feeder to approximate the variations in mom's
flow.  The fleshy feel of finger feeding approximates the fleshy feel of
a breast, although it doesn't compress like the breast.  I have felt
great peristalsis when finger feeding and I have felt atrocious tongue
movements while finger feeding (that's when it can be advantageous
because the feeder can "reward" baby only when the tongue action is
effective, or at least closer to effective than it has been.)  Cup
feeding offers the advantage of avoiding any confusion over the feel and
shape of a nipple-however, especially if used for very long, baby can
"forget" how to suck at breast.  And we haven't even touched on what the
parents will feel most comfortable with-a big factor in selecting a
method.  And what is most accessible for the LC  at that particular
moment?

What it all amounts to is that there is no one right method for
supplementing.  Many factors enter in to making a selection and in some
cases it may be necessary to try more than one before finding the most
effective for that particular situation.

Winnie

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