Cup feeding: an alternative to bottle feeding in a neonatal intensive care unit
Gupta, A.; Khanna, K.; Chattree, S.
Journal of Tropical Pediatrics 45(2): 108-110
1999
ISSN/ISBN: 0142-6338 PMID: 10341507 Document Number: 533577
Cup feeding has been suggested as an alternative to bottle feeding to help promote breastfeeding by avoiding nipple confusion. Records of 59 preterm and low birthweight babies (born before 37 weeks gestation) admitted to a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) from May 1995 to April 1996 were analysed. Feeding was initiated on cup if swallowing was present and cup feeding was possible as early as 29 weeks' gestational age with a birthweight of 900 g. Five infants (38%) in the gestational age group 28-30 weeks, 19 infants (52%) in the 31-34 weeks' gestation group, and 6 (56%) in the 35-37 weeks' gestation group, started cup feeding. Of 59 infants, 33 (56%) could be discharged on exclusive breastfeeding. It was concluded that cup feeding is a useful alternative to bottle feeding and an effective method of feeding preterm and small infants in NICU.