No one alternative feeding method is right for every situation, but I
find fingerfeeding very useful in my toolbox of techniques.  If it is
long and arduous, it should not be used, or the gizmo should be changed
to one that is efficient. I favor fingerfeeding for infants who need to
learn correct tongue movements for feeding.  I like when dad can do the
fingerfeeding, freeing mom for pumping and skin to skin.  I explain to
dad that his larger fingers are a good lesson to baby that his mouth
needs to be full when he's eating, and this gives dad something positive
he can do to help the breastfeeding, and satisfies his instinct to
protect his family.  If dad feels that the lack of breastfeeding or the
strategies employed to help baby to the breast are endangering his
little one, or if his wife is overly stressed, his protective instincts
kick in.  If he has nothing positive to do, he will agitate for formula.

Most parents in my practice fingerfeed for 24-72 hours, though I have
had some that were happy and willing to go for weeks.  If the baby is
unable to take the breast after a few days, we try a nipple shield, and
start using paced bottle feeding if the family is tired of
fingerfeeding.  Some dads love the fingerfeeding so much that they ask
if they can still ff once in awhile after the baby starts breastfeeding.

Some babies are inflexible, and they get hooked on whatever one method
they can make work.  If I sense I am dealing with one of these little
ones, I encourage the parents to alternate several feeding methods
according to their energy level and whim.

I think the most important things in choosing a care plan for
breastfeeding is to have a clear idea of the skills that the baby needs
to gain, and choose feeding methods that impact those skills if at all
possible.  At the same time, evaluate the parent's resources, to see
what they can handle.

--
Catherine Watson Genna, IBCLC  New York City  mailto:[log in to unmask]

             ***********************************************

To temporarily stop your subscription: set lactnet nomail
To start it again: set lactnet mail (or digest)
To unsubscribe: unsubscribe lactnet
All commands go to [log in to unmask]

The LACTNET mailing list is powered by L-Soft's renowned
LISTSERV(R) list management software together with L-Soft's LSMTP(R)
mailer for lightning fast mail delivery. For more information, go to:
http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html