I fully agree with Jack that many babies who don't latch by day 3 will do
so the very next day or the day after that.  In fact, that is how I try to
present all situations with new babies.  Just when you think you've got 'em
figured out, they change their pattern.  So, in the mean time, this mom
needs all the possible encouragement from LC, MD, husband, and family that
it is not "her."  Mothers tend to personalize everything in these early
days.  A rejection of the breast is taken personally as a rejection of HER.
Reassure the mom that mothers who have breastfed for years may deliver a
new baby only to find that they need to work their way into the
breastfeeding dance differently with this particular child.  One way I try
to get these babies back to the breast from the finger feeding (that they
imprinted to or "bonded with) is to use the drip technique on the mom's
breast.  If baby gets mouth open wide with tongue down and even compresses
correctly just once, then drip milk down the breast to the nipple with an
eye dropper.  If mom's supply is good, the compression technique also helps
these little buggers.  Sometimes they just don't get that the breast is for
nursing and fingers are not.  So, the idea is to give them a reason to
nurse.  Most people who finger feed give immediate milk flow which gets
baby used to immediate pseudo let-downs.  Try delaying the flow when finger
feeding and enhancing the flow while at the breast.  Other techniques
include latching baby on while asleep or in motion (in a rocker or sling on
mom) and getting lots of skin to skin contact.  Good Luck!

: )Chris Hafner-Eaton, PhD, MPH, CHES, IBCLC  email: [log in to unmask]   : )
: )HSR & Health Educational Consultant        voice/fax: 541 753 7340    : )
: )LLLLLLLLLLLLL**CHANGE THE WORLD, NURTURE A CHILD!**LLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL : )