When I used a syringe to fingerfeed a baby it was for 2 reasons:
1-It was really cheap
2-The hospital where I worked didn't stock SNS's
I used a syringe with a very thin feeding tube attached.  You taped the
tube to your finger-or the mom or dad's-and use it as you would the sns.
The baby had to suck REAL hard to get the milk, but I just gently depressed
the syringe as the baby sucked and stopped when the baby stopped.  I found
it easy to teach a mom or dad to use this technique.  It was really cost
effective when you only needed to use it for a couple of days. Also, the
feeding tubes could be replace often since they were so inexpensive. You
could also use it as you would an SNS at the breast.  As for choking, I
found it less likely than when cup feeding.  I still think they are a fine
and safe alternative.  Sometime marketing of even good things makes us
leary about using our old standbys.

When reading all the posts about asbestos, I questioned whether the writer
understood that the danger of asbestos is from inhaling the fibers that are
released into the air when asbestos is broken up.  It is not like a
bacteria or other such substance, that makes you sick when it gets into the
bloodstream, or in the case of a nursing baby, into milk.  It also can take
years and years for the illness to become apparent.  (My late father worked
with asbestos and was tested every couple of years)  I am much more worried
about the mother!  The baby will be ok if she either changes or wears a
cover over her clothes and showers before she goes home.  And Dr. Jack is
right, as usual.  Don't count on the fact that they allow the place to stay
open to determine safety for the employees!


Barbara Leshin-Zucker, IBCLC
Breastfeeding Coordinator
Morrisania WIC, Bronx, NY