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Breastfeeding Basics

Avoiding Nipple Confusion

Babies begin to learn how to breastfeed with the very first nursing experience. When breast and bottle are both offered, especially in the early weeks, nipple confusion can occur. During this important time of behavior patterning, a baby can incorrectly imprint (impress in his or her mind) feeding techniques since breast and bottle are quite different. For example, when a baby sucks from a rubber nipple, milk flow begins immediately. However, at a mother's breast, a baby must work for 30 to 60 seconds before his or her efforts are rewarded with let-down. When bottle feeding, the infant uses minimal oral muscles to empty a bottle. Conversely, when expressing milk from the breast, the tongue needs to move in a wavelike motion milking the nipple. A newborn will become understandably confused when a learned behavior pattern is not reinforced as anticipated.

This publication is for general informational purposes only and it is not intended to provide any reader with specific authority, advice or recommendations. Where you deem necessary, we suggest that you seek advice regarding your particular situation from the appropriate professional.

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