I would like to address Cynthia K. Dexter staff responses on fingerfeeding.
I agree that there is too little published data.  At the Lactation Institute
in Encino, Ca. from March 1988 to Feb 1992, I observed, was taught, and
demonstrated fingerfeeding. From Feb 1992 to July 1995, approximately 3.5
years, as clinical faculty and staff lactation consultant there, I taught
students as well as parents the techniques of fingerfeeding with a
periodontal syringe and using a periodontal syringe at breast.  During this
period including my present private practice in Indianola, a period of 8
years and hundreds of mothers and babies, I never heard of an incident of
concern from parents, students or other health care professionals.  The
bolus of milk ejected from the syringe is less than from most bottles and I
suspect the ejection is at a lower rate of velocity as well.  I like this
tool because of the control it offers the user.  I have not known the tool
to be dangerous.  The issues of the gloves etc. sorry, just don't make sense
to me but I have heard this comments before.  I would ask for evidence for
those comments.  Isn't that what we do with other issues such as jaundice?
The only supportive research I can offer you is my own from my master's
thesis, "Variation In Infant Palatal Structure and Breastfeeding." A
secondary goal of my literature review was to examine the origin and
iportance of the digital palatal assessment procedure as well as newborn and
infant oral assessments, as oral digital assessments are appropriate when
breastfeeding problems occur.  I found citations indicating that similar
procedures have been used historically as a means to correct problems and
are not considered invasive.  I'll just list them to save space.  I will be
glad to discuss then further with anyone who is interested.
Goldsmith, J. (1984). Childbirth wisdom. (p.232 and p.93 citing Cosminsky).
New York:  Congdon & Weed, Inc.
Upledger, J.E. & Vredevoogd, J.D. (1983).  Craniosacral Therapy (pp. 60-87,
256-264).  Chicago: Eastland Press.
Magoun, H.I. (Ed.). (1976).  Osteopathy in the Cranial Field (produced under
the auspices of the Sutherland Cranial Teaching Foundation, teaching unit of
the Cranial Academy) (p. 193). Kirksville:  The Journal Printing Company.
Wilhelm, I.J. (Ed.). (1993). Clinic in physical therapy:  physical therapy
assessment in early infancy. (p. 152) New York: Churchill Livingstone.
Hope this helps.
Joanne Burke Snyder, MA, CLE, IBCLC
Latch-On Services:  A private practice in Indianola, Iowa