Breastfeeding - Management of Common Breastfeeding Issues

"Nipple Confusion"

In breastfeeding, the suck, swallow, and breathing are all coordinated together. Jaw and tongue movements are different during breastfeeding than bottle-feeding. If a breastfeeding infant is excessively given a bottle or pacifier in the first few weeks of life, the infant may have difficulty adapting back to the breast. This is known as nipple confusion. Since a bottle delivers the milk at a much faster rate than the breast, an infant may prefer the bottle and become frustrated by the slower delivery of milk from the breast. Prevention is the key point. Therefore, we do not recommend that you give your breastfeeding baby a bottle or pacifier for the first 2 to 3 weeks of life. However, you need to use a bottle if your baby is sick and unable to breastfeed, not gaining enough weight or for other reasons as indicated by your baby's healthcare provider. If you feel that your baby has developed nipple confusion, please call our office to arrange for assistance by a lactation consultant. There are many tricks and devices available to prevent or treat this problem.