CUP
FEEDING NOTES 1998,
Wendy Nicholson
RN RM IBCLC
Why cup feed?
Babies learn to cup feed quickly, and will open their mouths in readiness for the cup. Any small cup with a smooth lip or edge will be suitable e.g. a medicine measure. The baby is held in a semi-upright position, with his hands gently restrained. Rest the cup on the baby's lower lip, and dribble the milk just into the front of the baby's mouth. The baby will soon learn to lap or sip the milk. He may push some of the milk back out with his tongue, so the cup is kept resting on the lip to ensure no milk is wasted. The baby pauses when he needs to - he `controls' the feed. Do not pour the milk into the baby's mouth - avoid a `tidal wave' of milk into the baby's mouth, as this may cause him to cough and splutter. Cup feeding is easy both for the mother and baby. It should be a pleasant experience. References 1.Lang S. Cup-feeding: an alternative method Midwives Chronicle 1994; May: 171-176. 2. Lang S, Lawrence CJ, L'E Orme R. Cup-feeding: an alternative method of infant feeding. Arch Dis Child 1994; 71: 365-369. 3.Woolridge MW. The "anatomy" of infant sucking. Midwifery 1986; 2: 164-171. 4.Weber F, Woolridge MW, Baum JD. An ultrasonographic study of the organisation of sucking and swallowing by newborn infants. Dev Med Child Neurol 1986; 28:19-24. 5.Newman J. Breastfeeding problems associated with the early introduction of bottles and pacifiers. JHum Lact 1990; 6(2): 59-63. 6.Righard L, Alade MO. Sucking technique and its effect on success of breastfeeding. Birth 1992; 19(4): 185-189. |
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