Greetings and thanks to those who responded ( a while ago, sorry for the delay in posting) to my queries re cup feeding and also which pumps are being used in NICUs.

As for cup feeding, the responses were 100% to place cup on baby's lower lip.  The reason for the original post was that two of our LCs had been instructed at Lactation courses to use upper lip, and at least one reliable reference said the same.  However, others of us had only used lower lip, and could not imagine how to cup feed on upper lip. Apparently when the cup is placed on upper lip, the baby's tongue will move along the outer edge of the cup and thus assist in better suck.  Baby is supposed to obtain milk by sipping.  I still have not tried this method, and am a bottom lip feeder myself, but thought you might like to get feedback.

Regarding best pumps for NICU moms and supply, the responses were mixed, so I cannot say that there is an apparent trend or preference.  Those who responded had detailed explanations of their choices, so I would say that so far, as long as it's hospital grade and double, that is the criteria.  However, the pump in style was not recommended, as has been stated many times here, until at least six weeks when milk supply is established.  On the other hand, I attended a conference recently in which one of the speakers stated that her inner city hospital provided purely yours pumps, knowing that the specifications are not comparable to hospital grade pumps, but they are better than no pump at all, and I believe a grant paid for them (not sure about this).  Apparently milk supply was adequate--they also have a very strong NICU Lactation Program, so maybe therein lies the difference (?)

Thanks to all.
Patricia Ellis, RN, MA, IBCLC

"Do unto others as you would have others do unto you."

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