LLLI
Center for Breastfeeding Information
Journal Abstract of the Month for January 2002
"A Comparison of the
safety of cupfeedings and bottlefeedings in premature infants whose
mothers intend to breastfeed" K.A. Marinelli et al Journal of Perinatology
2001-9;21(6):350-55
This is the first prospective
randomized study on the safety of cupfeeding premature infants, as compared
to bottlefeeding. There were 56 premature infants whose mothers planned
on breastfeeding in this study. The current standard of feeding is by
bottlefeeding the mothers' own milk. The authors sought to show that
cupfeeding offers several benefits to the infant, and to provide documentation
to health professionals that cupfeeding is a safe method of providing
feeds to premature infants.
There was a 10-fold increase
in oxygen desaturations during bottlefeeds compared to no change during
cupfeeds. Comparisons showed that heart rates were higher and oxygen
saturations were lower during bottlefeeds. Respiratory rate, choking,
spitting or apnea and bradycardia were similar in bottlefeeds and cupfeeds.
Volumes taken in were lower and duration of feeds longer during cupfeeding,
permitting the infant to determine his needs and competencies, allowing
for infant initiation and control. Providing breast milk to the infants
by cup when the mother is not present or before the infants are able
to breastfeed directly supports breastfeeding. A description of the
management of cupfeeding and the method of intake and how this benefits
breastfeeding is included.
This article has been
categorized in the following keywords: Prematures, Cupfeeding, Suckling,
Management, Professional Attitudes, Advantages, Human Milk: Storage/Processing,
Breast Pumps/Devices, Breastfeeding Duration, Psychology-Infant, Physiology
of Breastfeeding, Kangaroo Care
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