I loved Diane's story about re-conditioning a non-breastfeeding baby so he
could be transitioned to normal feeding (i.e. breastfeeding.)  I agree
totally with this technique and it's one I use all the time. The idea of
using the nipple shield over the bottle teat is a new idea to me, and I will
try it.  It's not something I normally have found necessary, but there may
be some babies who do need that extra transitional step.

 I reassure parents that the baby under 3 mo. is a "young dog capable of
learning many new tricks."  This helps re-focus them away from the hysteria
they feel that comes from the belief that "nipple confusion" is a permanent
condition.  If the REASON for the baby's inability to breastfeed can be
identified, treated, or outgrown, AND if the milk supply is stable, then all
that is required to get most babies to breast is patience and strategy.
Some parents have situations or temperments that won't accommodate this type
of plan, and some babies remain incapable of normal feeding.  But I
routinely assist prematures, birth-injured babies, etc. to breast with the
use of re-conditioning, shields, CST, nursing strike strategies, etc.  Many
of them have been bottle feeding for 5-8 weeks before they establish at the
breast.

Barbara Wilson-Clay, BS, IBCLC
Austin Lactation Associates
LactNews Press
www.lactnews.com

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