Hi Denise - Yes, we really are at risk if we use a product for a purpose for
which it was not specifically designed.  Pris Bornmann did a session on this
at ILCA one year and the tape is still available.

I think (note the word think) we are safer with common devices sold over the
counter for feeding (cup or spoon) than any invasive device (syringes, tubes
etc). Besides, the research just hasn't been done on the safety and
effectiveness of feeding devices and home-made breast devices.  (researchers
out there - take note!)

In my experience, tubes at breast are only useful if (1) the baby has a great
suck, and (2) the breasts have no milk and another fluid needs to be given.
If the breast already has milk in it, tubes don't help. Tubes were not
designed to improve a baby's suck although some folks try to use them for
that purpose.  In my experience, if a baby can't get it from the breast, he
can't get it from a tube either and a different device requiring different
tongue action is needed.

Linda Smith, fan of cupfeeding in Dayton, OH