Syringe Feeding

Syringe feeding is exhausting and should be used for very short periods of time (usually in the hospital).  Moms are often sent home syringe feeding “to avoid nipple confusion” but using a nipple shield at the breast.  This is just increasing work for mom/baby/partner and causing “nipple confusion” via the nipple shield.  I tell patients that not much about lactation is “permanent” (i.e. even nipple shields can be discontinued with some work).  So if it easier to give a baby a bottle via paced bottle feeding (it is) than use a syringe, do it.  It’s far better to use a bottle and continue breastfeeding than give up in exhaustion because syringe feeding is so awful.  Like everything with breastfeeding and parenting – it’s a marathon and not a sprint.  Do what you can until you get professional help for a solid plan going forward.