dear anne,
your sincerity is not questioned here, but wouldn't it be so much easier if
babies were cup fed when their mothers were not in the nicu to feed them? the
bottles are NOT needed. and how about making it easier for the mothers to be
in the nicu to feed them?
it is terrific that you have been able to breastfeed triplets. however, that
is not the normal situation, and requires adjustment on some people's parts,
including using bottles. would you not feel a bit disappointed if one of your
babies never breastfed, while the others did? wouldn't you be unhappy if that
happened because of the bottlefeeding in the nicu?
" While some infants become "nipple confused" or develop
a nipple preference, most infants will be able to breast and bottle feed."
just remember, when the only tool you have is a bottle, every baby gets a
bottle. and while many babies make the transition just fine, many do not.
many do not EVER breastfeed, and it is due to being bottled in the nicu.
nipple confusion is a terrible problem and NOT easy to fix. would we say the
same thing about other medical complications, such as "a kidney infection can
sometimes happen, but MOST people won't develop one as a result of this
intervention." lactation and other professional s DO need to be flexible, but
that does not, in my book, extend to using the wrong tool for the job. a
bottle is almost always the wrong tool for the job, particularly with
breastfeeding infants. also check the who recommendations.
of course parents wants their preemies to develop "normal" infant behaviour,
but bottle feeding should not be presented as normal infant behaviour.
please, especially in light of your preparation for the IBCLE, take some time
to reflect on the difference between "breastfeeding advocacy" and "breastmilk
advocacy."
carol brussel IBCLC
laura nevada lactation
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