The clinician's role in teaching proper infant feeding techniques

Abstract

The species-specific advantages and significant nutritional and health benefits of breast-feeding are widely acknowledged. Less recognized are the advantages of the process of breast-feeding itself. Adherence to the natural mechanics of breast-feeding will preclude many of the problems associated with improper bottle feeding. For example, the semiupright position of the infant during breast-feeding helps eliminate the entry of milk into the middle ear and reduces choking and regurgitation. The action of suckling during breast-feeding minimizes the intake of air. In addition, the direct eye contact that is natural to breast-feeding fosters bonding, and the close body contact promotes a sense of security in the child. These advantages, so natural to breast-feeding, are likely to be absent from bottle feeding unless some of the natural techniques associated with breast-feeding are adopted. This article describes various aspects of the breast-feeding process with the goal of urging practitioners to instruct patients to transfer these techniques to bottle feeding. In so doing, clinicians may help their patients avoid the hazards of improper bottle feeding.