For what it is worth, when I address the issue of "nipple confusion"  I
ususally compare it to learning to drive both a stick shift and an automatic
transmission.  The same skills do not transfer equally well between these two
cars.  It is ususally a good idea to become proficient at one method of
driving before trying the other.

As for babies being confused.  I usually tell mothers that the most confusing
thing they can do is to feed their babies a bottle.  Babies think they know
how to "eat at mom's" by breastfeeding.  They also can learn that they eat a
different way from "NOT-moms" (i.e. dads, sitters, grandparents, etc.).  The
parents seem to "get it" when it is explained to them this way.

I also tell them that when they are introducing a different feeding method to
make sure that the food is the same (i.e. mom's milk).  I encourage them to
introduce the new method at a time when the baby is alert, in a good mood and
not too hungry. (I usually tell them that just like they would not order
octopus off a menu if they were starving, the baby will not want to try
something new if he/she is ravenous).

Leaping down from the lecturn.
Martha Brower  RD LD IBCLC