Media Provision of breast milk for infants

So far, many mothers think that using a bottle of milk through a pacifier is the only medium for breastfeeding babies. In fact, there are many media for breastfeeding other than breast milk that can increase the chances of success for exclusive breastfeeding. Breast milk is the best food for babies. Breast milk is easily digested by the baby's intestine, and contains complete nutrition and antibodies (immune-forming substances), so as to prevent the baby from various diseases. However, there are times when a mother cannot breastfeed a baby directly, either because of a problem in the breast or because it is not always with the baby. In this condition, breastfeeding mothers can continue to give milk by milking and storing breast milk to be given to the baby later. Dairy milk (breast milk) is most often given through a pacifier bottle. However, the use of a pacifier bottle too often when giving milk can make your child difficult to breastfeed. Therefore, there are several alternatives for breastfeeding in addition to pacifiers that you can choose and are easily available.

Risk of Confused Nipples due to Pacifier Use

Babies born with natural reflexes suck the mother's nipples to get breast milk. Optimal emptying of the breast occurs through good attachment and sucking ability. This natural reflex can be disrupted because of the provision of breast milk through nipple-like media, namely pacifiers, so that your child is at risk of experiencing nipple confusion. This happens when babies who are accustomed to sucking pacifiers or pacifiers have difficulty sucking from the mother's breast. The following are some of the difficulties of breastfeeding due to confused nipples:

Babies have difficulty attaching their mouths to their nipples

When a baby feeds on the breast, the baby must open his mouth wide to get good attachment. Meanwhile, when using a pacifier, breast milk can easily flow without the need to open your mouth wide. As a result, when breastfeeding, the baby has difficulty in sticking his mouth to the nipple. This can make the mother's nipples hurt or feel uncomfortable while breastfeeding because the baby's mouth is not good enough to stick.

Babies find it hard to suck mother's nipples

Sucking pacifiers is different from sucking breasts. Pacifiers have a constant flow, so without effort to suck even the milk in the pacifiers easily comes out. This is different from breasts, where to express milk, babies need to try to suck harder. Using the medium for breastfeeding through a pacifier can damage the baby's natural suction patterns. As a result the baby is not optimal in getting milk and emptying the breast. Because the breasts are not empty optimally, the milk production gradually decreases, thereby reducing the chances of success for exclusive breastfeeding.

Babies refuse to breastfeed directly from the breast

Using a pacifier bottle as a medium for breastfeeding can make babies drink more than they need. When presented with breasts, the baby may be frustrated because the flow is not like a pacifier bottle or he does not get as much milk as he drinks when using a pacifier. As a result, babies may fuss when breastfeeding directly.

Media for breastfeeding milk for infants

In addition to pacifiers, here are some media for breastfeeding babies:

1. Cup feeder

Cup feeder is a special glass that is designed to provide breast milk. Usually the cup feeder is made of safe plastic. In the cup feeder there is a dose indicator in milliliters. Using a cup feeder as a medium for breastfeeding has many advantages. Breastfeeding with this tool can help the baby learn to practice the coordination of sucking and swallowing because the baby is tasting his own milk in the cup feeder. In addition, the baby can control for himself how much milk from the mother's milk enters the mouth. Not only in healthy babies, cup feeders can also be used on premature babies.

2. shot glass

Shot glass is small and made of glass. This glass is easy to get and has the same function as the cup feeder. The use of glass does not affect the ability and pattern of the baby's suction, so that the baby is avoided from confused nipples. But when using this glass, make sure the glass is strong and doesn't crack or break. The use of broken or cracked shot glass can injure the baby's lips and mouth while breastfeeding.

3. Spoon

Provision of milk using a spoon of milk suitable for babies whose milk needs are still small. Feeding breast milk using a spoon should be done slowly so as not to spill and make the baby at risk of choking.

4. Pipette

Pipettes are usually used to provide medicine, but pipettes can also be used as a medium for breastfeeding milk. On the pipette, there is a dose indicator in milliliters. How to use a dropper is to gently spray the breast milk on the baby's inner cheek, not the esophagus, then let the baby swallow.

5. Spuit

The syringe is shaped like a syringe, but without the needle. Its use is quite easy, namely by spraying it gently on the baby's inner cheek or tongue, then let the baby swallow. To achieve the success of exclusive breastfeeding, choose media for breastfeeding in the form of cup feeders, shot glass, spoons, pipettes, or syringes to suit your baby. Media giving breast milk through a pacifier bottle, in addition to confusing nipples, can also increase the risk of choking, cavities, ear infections, and drinking more than needed. If your child is already confused nipples, but you still want to provide exclusive breastfeeding, do not hesitate to consult with your doctor or lactation consultant.