Nipple confusion
Nipple confusion is the tendency of an infant to unsuccessfully adapt between
Preventing nipple confusion requires avoiding bottles and
Nipple confusion or nipple preference may occur when an infant switches from the breast to an artificial feeding method before the proper breastfeeding routine is established.[1] Young infants who are exposed to artificial teats or bottle nipples might find the switch back and forth from bottle to breast a little tricky as the feeding mechanism of both breasts and bottle differ. An infant learns to feed on different nipples differently.[4]
Causes
How an infant feeds from the breast to bottle differs. A
Prevention
If the parent does not wait for the infant to perfect their breastfeeding skill, there is a risk the infant might give up breastfeeding sooner than preferred. While some infants easily go back and forth from bottle to breast, not all infants find this constant transitioning easy. However, infants are born with strong instincts to get breastfed. With patience and practice, the infant can be soothed into good feeding habits. Since there is no way to predict whether an infant might face nipple confusion, the use of a bottle or pacifier should be delayed, at least until the infant is four weeks old.[6] This allows the infant to get used to breastfeeding at an early stage. Breastfeeding is advocated for the first two to three weeks. It is important that the infant is latching on well and that the breast milk reserve is well established. In case giving supplements to the infant is medically necessary, they can be given in ways that do not involve artificial nipples.[7]
Nipple confusion can result in sub optimal
"Un-confusing" the infant
For getting the infant habituated, what is recommended is breastfeeding only when the infant is calm, not switching the infant back to the breast when they are extremely hungry, and more skin-to-skin contact (during breast-feeding) would help reacquaint them.
See also
- Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative
- Breastfeeding promotion
- Haberman Feeder
- Infant formula
- International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes
- List of bottle types, brands and companies
References
- ^ a b "Nipple Confusion? - La Leche League GB". 2 February 2016. Retrieved 12 August 2017.
- ^ Association, Australian Breastfeeding (2011-07-08). "Breast refusal". Australian Breastfeeding Association. Retrieved 2018-10-27.
- ^ "Your Guide to Breastfeeding" (PDF). Office on Women's Health. Archived from the original (PDF) on 17 October 2020. Retrieved 8 October 2018.
- ^ "Nipple Confusion | Ask Dr Sears® | The Trusted Resource for Parents". Ask Dr Sears. Retrieved 2018-10-27.
- ^ a b "what is nipple confusion".
- ^ a b "How to Avoid Nipple Confusion for the Breastfed Baby - Newborn Nurses | Cindy and Jana". Newborn Nurses | Cindy and Jana. 2015-01-23. Retrieved 2018-10-27.
- ^ "Alternatives To Bottles | Ask Dr Sears". Ask Dr Sears. Retrieved 2018-10-27.
- ^ PMID 16602050.
- ^ S2CID 33481081. Archived from the original(PDF) on 13 August 2017. Retrieved 12 August 2017.
- PMID 19349568.
- ^ Medela. "When to Consider Nipple Shields for Nursing | Medela". www.medelabreastfeedingus.com. Retrieved 2018-10-27.
- ^ a b c Medela. "What is Nipple Confusion and How to Resolve It | Medela". www.medelabreastfeedingus.com. Retrieved 2018-10-27.
- ^ "Breast Pumping: A Guide on When and How Long to Pump | Milk101 | Ameda". Ameda. Retrieved 2018-10-27.