Just when I thought I'd heard it all........................
I think whether a supplementing device would work or not may depend
on how much "latchable" tissue there is.  While some men have
nipple/areolar tissue that stands out and would be graspable, others
are flat on the chest wall and there would be nothing for baby to
grasp.
I wonder if the "breast-shaped" device you are referring to is the
"Breastbottle".  The primary purpose of it it to try to simulate
more closely for baby the feel and action of breast.  It would be
more for babies who refuse to take a bottle or who need
supplementing and for whatever reason, the other alternate feeding
methods aren't being used.  I honestly think that once you are using
a non-breast container to feed baby, it doesn't make much difference
what the shape it in terms of bonding.  As I point out to dads who
think the only way to bond with their babies is to give a bottle,
"Babies are pretty smart and figure out that the milk comes from the
container, not whoever is behind it."  It's the other activities a
dad does with baby that promote bonding on the baby's part.
Unless one or both of the parents have graspable nipple/areolar
tissue, I think your idea of encouraging skin-to-skin holding while
using whatever container they choose will go the furthest in
promoting bonding with the infant.

Winnie

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