There is definitely different muscle activation during breast vs bottle 
feeding. Gomes and others did electromyographic (EMG) studies on just a 
few of the facial muscles involved in sucking and demonstrated this. 
While that won't necessarily support the number 43, you can try a google 
scholar search (scholar.google.com, uncheck patent search to reduce the 
stuff you don't need to see) on muscle activation sucking breast OR 
bottle and similar keywords. Relevant studies published 2+ years ago are 
cited in Supporting Sucking Skills 2nd edition and you will likely find 
some references in Breastfeeding Answers Made Simple too.

Catherine Watson Genna BS, IBCLC  NYC  cwgenna.com

On 12/6/2013 8:18 AM, Gordon, Patricia (DHSS) wrote:
> Re the previous post:
> "I heard in a conference once (probably many years ago) that it takes 4 muscle movements to drink from a bottle and 43 muscle movements to transfer milk from the breast.  It is extremely effective with parents but now I have an MD asking for Evidence that what I am saying is true.  Can anyone help me out?  I am hoping I didn't just dream these number up!"
>
> I asked my speech pathologist daughter who has responded with the following:
>
> "I'd have to look through my notes. I can try to look it up this weekend and get back to you. But whoever wrote this is definitely on the right track. It's the same reason we always recommend that parents buy sippy cups with straws rather than the standard top with holes that the child can access by tilting their head back without doing any work. Using a straw requires introral pressure, which stenghtens the oral musculature and has been shown to decrease feeding and even communication issues later on. The same idea applies to breastfeeding vs. bottle feeding."
>
> When I hear back from her, I will forward her response.  Yes-I can see where this would be very helpful when speaking with parents.  I hadn't heard it before.
>
> P.D. Gordon RN, BS/BSN, IBCLC
> DE Division of Public Health
>
>
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