Breastfeeding aids help breastfeeding mothers to feed their babies expressed breastmilk, formula, or glucose water or glucose water mixed with colostrum without the use of an artificial pacifier. Early use of an artificial teat may cause the baby to be 'spoiled by the bottle' or have 'nipple confusion' because it interferes with the way the baby holds the breast. Babies aren't really confused, they know exactly where to get their milk from, and if they only get a small amount of slow-flowing milk from their mother's breast, and then use a fast-flowing bottle, most babies will quickly learn which they prefer.
The better the breast is held, the easier it is for the baby to breastfeed, especially if mom's milk is low. During the first few days of life, even though the mother's milk supply is low at this time, it is enough if the baby can suck on the milk that is already there. If the baby is unable to get breastmilk properly from the breast because of poor latch, he may fall asleep or push away from the breast when the flow of milk slows down, so the baby may refuse the breast, cry during feedings, gain weight poorly, lose weight or even become dehydrated in the first week, and the mother may have sore nipples. Although artificial teats don't always cause problems, if the situation is already bad, using an artificial teat will not make it better and often makes it worse. I don't think the newer bottle nipples are better than the older ones, and if supplementation is really needed, a nursing aid is by far the best way to add them, (however, proper latch on usually results in more breastmilk for the baby, so supplementation is usually not needed). Using a supplement is even better than using an empty syringe, cup feeding, finger feeding, or any other method because the baby is still sucking directly on mom's breast. Babies, like adults, learn by doing. Further, babies who use a supplement also get breastmilk from the breast at the same time. And breastfeeding is more than just providing milk to the baby.
If you can't make enough milk to meet your baby's needs, or if you've missed many opportunities to breastfeed because of illness, or if your baby can't breastfeed straight away for some reason, you may want to think about boosting your milk supply with the help of a device known as an assisted-lactation device (also known as an assisted-feeding tube, infant feeder, or breastfeeding trainer). Unlike a bottle, which can make babies uncomfortable at the breast, this device allows babies to take formula from mom's breast at the same time.
Assisted nursing can also be used to help premature babies or to train babies who have trouble feeding. It can even help activate breastfeeding for mothers who have just adopted a child or have stopped breastfeeding for a long time and want to start again.
The device consists of a very small plastic container to hold square or expressed breast milk, which hangs around your neck on a sling cord. A very thin hose is attached to the container, and the opening is stretched along the breast near the nipple, where the hose is inserted into the corner of the baby's mouth as he sucks. The baby's sucking action draws the milk from the container into his mouth, so even if you don't have enough milk, he can still get enough. This tool increases the baby's interest in taking milk from the breast. At the same time, his sucking action can stimulate your body to increase milk production.
Assisted nursing devices are available through lactation specialists, medical supply stores, some pharmacies, or mail order. If possible, try to buy from sources that can counsel first-time use and demonstrate cleaning methods. Most mothers and babies need a few days of practice before they become comfortable with the tool. Patience and dedication are required to use an assisted-lactation device, as it may take weeks or months to re-establish breast milk supply and breastfeeding.