>I wasn't necessarily recommending bottles, and the >pumping can be for 
>a short period of time, 5 to 10 mins immediately >after feeding (or 
>when ever mom can manage) for a day or two, just to >give the supply a 
>little boost. Then see if the baby does a better job. I've >had parents 
>enjoy finger feeding in similar situations as the baby's >mouth grew 
>into the breast.

Certainly bottles are a bad idea in most instances bar a few...however
finger feeding can also be a barrier to an effective latch and should not be
used in a healthy latching term baby especially if the objective is to
improve the latch. Finger feeding often has a negative effect on the overall
latch. Babies that are finger fed often cease to gape or do so effectively,
closing their mouths and becoming frustrated with the normal delay in milk
let down and so on and so forth. Finger feeding should be used with caution
in a latching infant as it will not better the latch and may hinder the
latch and related behaviors. Cup feeding, dropper or syringe (not sucked on)
feeding are best methods as they do not create a competition for the mother
with other modes of suckling and feeding. She should be primary. Finger
feeding I have seen all too often lead to a poor latch, refusal or
impatience at the breast, and parents left stranded not knowing how to let
the finger feeding crutch go in favor of more sustainable behavior. My
thought is always to treat the client in a way that does not simply put out
one fire and start another and furthermore that reinforces the leading
standards (WHO) of health and nutrition minimizing barriers to ultimate
success and the longest term of breastfeeding possible. Like a bottle, or a
pacifier, a finger and tube create yet another artificial nipple.
Introduction of artificial nipples are research demonstrated to lead to
premature weaning. Health care professionals need to be aware that this is
the case and parents need to be informed of these risks. Why complicate the
situation?? Use a cup - thereby the need is met without adding the
possibility of any unintentional consequences.    

Kelly P. Matijcio RN, IBCLC, RLC, LLLL
Specialist in Human Lactation and Early Infancy Parenting
Co-Chair Durham Breastfeeding Coalition
(905) 509-0995 / (416) 917-9379
Breastfeeding Clinic and Early Infancy Parenting Program Schedule:
www.ontarioearlyyears.ca/oeyc/en/Location/Durham/Pickering-Ajax-Uxbridge/cen
tres.htm
click the "breastfeeding support" link

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