Nipple confusion is the tendency of an infant to unsuccessfully adapt between breast-feeding and bottle-feeding. It can happen when the infant is put back onto breast-feeding. Nipple confusion can turn into nipple refusal in which the infant refuses both the bottle and breastfeeding.[1][2]
Preventing nipple confusion requires avoiding bottles and pacifiers for the first few weeks after birth.[3] An infant that is used to feeding at the breast and gets switched to a bottle cannot use the same technique as latching on to the breast. An infant who gets used to nipple on a bottle and fast-flowing milk can have trouble making the transition.
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]
- ^ 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.