Cup Feeding Breastfeeding Committee For Saskatchewan This method of feeding should be used only after instruction by a qualified health care provider.
Cup feeding is used:
as a method of feeding when a mother is not able to breastfeed her IMPORTANT baby. if an infant needs supplementation in addition to breastfeeding Cup feeding is only a to avoid bottle nipple confusion. temporary way to feed baby. Equipment Your baby should be checked to ensure he has a small clean cup good swallow reflex cloth How to Cup Feed The baby should be calm and awake. Wrap the baby securely to prevent babys hands from bumping the cup, if needed. Place a cloth under the babys chin. Pour recommended amount of expressed breast milk or artificial baby milk into the cup. (can start with about 15 ml: 1/2 oz.) Hold the baby in an upright sitting position on your lap. Make sure that you are both comfortable. Let edge of cup touch babys lower lip. Tip cup until milk reaches babys lips. Do not pour milk into babys mouth. Baby will lick milk with his/her tongue. For further information contact: Keep the cup in the same position during the feed. The baby may pause during the feeding; do not remove the cup when the baby Local Public Health Nurse stops sipping. Burp baby after every 15 mL (1/2 ounce). Lactation Consultant
Local Health Care How much should the baby take?
Provider Baby will take 23 ml of milk at a time A hungry newborn may take 30-45 ml (1- 1 1/2 oz.) in 5-10 mins. Local breastfeeding support group Stay in touch with your health care provider if cup-feeding is used.
Adapted with permission from
Regina QuAppelle Health Region Revised October 2009