A Comparison of the Safety of Cupfeedings and Bottlefeedings in Premature Infants Whose Mothers Intend to Breastfeed

Abstract

During cupfeedings, premature infants are more physiologically stable, with lower heart rates, higher oxygen saturations, and less desaturations, than during bottlefeedings. However, cupfed infants took less volume, over more time, than bottlefed for these initial feedings. Based on better physiologic stability and no difference in untoward effects, cupfeeding is at least as safe, if not safer, than bottlefeeding in this population. This study supports the use of cupfeeding as a safe alternative feeding method for premature infants learning to breastfeed.

Evaluation of Feeding Efficiency and Spillage in Preterm Infants during Bottle and Cup Feeding: A Randomized Controlled Trial

“…The same result was observed at discharge, when the tests showed higher intake of milk during bottle-feeding. Marinelli, Burke and Dodd [13] also observed a lower intake of milk when it was offered by cup; however, it is unclear how this volume was measured, and it does not take spilling during administration into account.…”

“…A less efficient feeding practice will result in more time being spent on feeding [13,15]. Such a difference may be a negative factor to consider for NICU care, and it may explain the lack of acceptance of cup feeding by health professionals [15].…”

“…Some studies have shown that, in some cases, the use of bottles has no significant impact on breastfeeding [7,12], and other studies have raised questions about the efficiency and efficacy of cup feeding. The time required to cup feed is often longer [13], which impacts nursing time. Spillage, however, can interfere with the accuracy of the volumes reported as consumed via cup feeding [13][14][15].…”

“…The time required to cup feed is often longer [13], which impacts nursing time. Spillage, however, can interfere with the accuracy of the volumes reported as consumed via cup feeding [13][14][15].…”

Avaliação eletromiográfica dos músculos faciais durante o aleitamento natural e artificial de lactentes: identificação de diferenças entre aleitamento materno e aleitamento com uso de mamadeira ou copo

“…7,8 Preterm infants show more physiologic stability during cup feeding when compared with bottle feeding. [9][10][11] Preterm infants randomized to cup-feeding instead of bottle feeding were more likely to be discharged home with full breastfeeding. 12 For supplementation of term infants in maternity units, opinions vary.…”