New research from a team of Cochrane researchers has found that cup-fed newborns are more likely to be exclusively breast-fed when they leave the hospital. However, this does not translate to a higher likelihood of continued breastfeeding three or six months later. In fact, cup-fed babies actually stay in the hospital an average of 10 days longer. Due to the lack of clear benefit and the additional cost associated with extended hospital stays, the researchers do not recommend cup feeding.
Breast milk is the optimal choice for newborns, and the best way for them to receive it is through direct breastfeeding. However, there are situations where this is not possible, and alternatives, such as tube feeding, bottle-feeding, or cup-feeding, are necessary.
Cup-feeding has been suggested as an option because it is simple, inexpensive, and easy to clean. There is also belief that infants who learn to lap milk from a cup can still transition to breastfeeding in the future, unlike those who learn to feed from a bottle. However, cup feeding can be slow and challenging for parents.
To determine the effectiveness of cup-feeding, the Cochrane researchers analyzed four trials that met specific criteria. Their findings indicate that cup-feeding does not provide any additional benefits in terms of maintaining breastfeeding beyond hospital discharge. In fact, it may lead to longer hospital stays.
Lead researcher Andrea Flint from the Royal Women’s Hospital in Brisbane, Australia, states that cup-feeding cannot be recommended as a supplement to breastfeeding over bottle-feeding. Not only does it not offer any advantages in terms of breastfeeding longevity, it also results in longer hospital stays. Flint further mentions that the high rate of non-compliance with cup-feeding suggests that further research in this area may not be worthwhile.
