Cup-Feeding

Cup-feeding is used mostly in premature infants, and infants with cleft lip or palates, until they are strong enough
to start breastfeeding on their own.

Cup-feeding can only be used on babies that are past 32 weeks, as they have not yet developed their suck,
swallow and breathing reflexes; as a result, babies born before 32 weeks are fed through a gavage tube. 

advantages of Cup-Feeding a Baby

 Less regurgitation.
 Fewer colic symptoms.
 Better weight gain is noticed when using infant cup-feeding.
 It is an easily learned skill for an infant.
 It provides more appropriate movement of mouth and jaw when compared to bottle feeding.
 It is less time-consuming.
 It provides a way to feed a baby, that does not include an artificial nipple, which can cause breastfeeding
problems later on. 
 It can be used as one of the best alternative feeding methods, for when the mother is not available to
breastfeed.
 It decreases the need for a gavage tube after 32 weeks.
 It provides a baby with more social stimulation when compared to bottle feeding.
 It is less stressful for the baby, as he/she will only need to deal with milk in their mouth, instead of a
nipple as well.
 The whole family can do cup-feeding..
 Baby feeding cups are inexpensive and easy to use.
Disadvantages of Cup-Feeding Babies

 It's one of those alternative feeding methods, that can get messy.
 A cup-feeding newborn might learn to prefer the cup over breastfeeding.
 It does not cater to the baby’s need to suck.
 There is the danger of aspirating milk; the milk could go down the wrong way, into the lungs; this is why
you need to be alert while doing this, as not to pour the milk down Baby’s throat. You must allow Baby to lap
up the milk by him/herself. 
How to Cup-Feed Baby

 You can use a medicine cup, but you can buy special baby feeding cups.
 Swaddle baby, so that cup is not knocked over.
 Baby should be in an upright position.
 Fill the cup half full with breast milk.
 Rest the brim of the cup on Baby’s lower lip.
 Tip the cup so that the milk only touches Baby’s lips.
 Do not pour the milk into Baby’s mouth.
 Baby should lap or sip at the milk.
 Stop to burp baby every few minutes.
 Try to cup-feed your baby when he/she is alert.

: Spoon Feeding
Spoon feeding can be a great way to deliver small amounts of milk (e.g. colostrum) to babies who are not latching
or feeding properly.
For example, some babies may be particularly sleepy due to drugs used during the birthing process or jaundice.
Small amounts of milk delivered by spoon may help rouse some babies, who aren’t latching, to latch on and feed.
A particularly beneficial aspect of spoon feeding is that it allows the baby to determine her own feeding pace.