>  I'm also curious about the research behind this -- as there are many
>many many of us who can provide anecdotal evidence for successful cup
>feeding that resulted in successful breastfeeding when nipple confusion was
>threatening a hasty retreat to "that other stuff that other way," are there
>any studies that show conclusively that cup fed babies have suffered harm bc
>of the cup feeding?

Geoff,
You've tossed out some interesting data. May I toss in a little more?
Paula Meier has done a lot of research with preemies and breastfeeding.
One of her studies compared respiratory responses during breastfeeds vs
bottle feeds. Results showed that bottle feeding  led to a higher degree
of respiratory difficulties, while babies were much more stable at the
breast.

Thus, my question to you is this:  If cup feeding at <4 mos is considered
risky, how does it compare to bottle feeding? Are the associated risks
equal or different?  I do think that this is an important question to
consider, especially as there are risks to some babies of nipple
confusion/preference with artificial nipples.  Lets discuss this whole
issue with an eye to the big picture; I welcome the challenge you've put
forth!

-Lisa Marasco, BA, IBCLC


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         Lisa Marasco, BA, IBCLC
    Expressly Yours Lactation Services
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