I teach parents finger feeding with a syringe, but I also give them
permission to use a bottle if that is the parents preference.  Finger feeding
can be very helpful for feeding a baby with such high bili level that the
baby is too sleepy to feed with a bottle (and a cup is impossible with these
little high bili rag dolls).  In this case, I find a baby can often take 45
minutes or more to drink an ounce from a bottle and then parents are
exhausted.  Finger feeding can be done quickly and efficiently in a very few
minutes.  Or, a baby with poor oral motor can sometimes only finger feed.  I
think many times it depends on the reason that alternative feeding is
necessary.  If the baby can take its feeding with a bottle in 15-20 minutes
then bottle is fine with me and most parents feel most comfortable with this.
 The bottle does offer some advanatages, mom can hold the baby skin to skin
at the breast while feeding the bottle.  I teach and share information and I
give my parents options.  The decision always is the parents.  I find that
with lots of positive support and encouragement these moms get the baby back
to breast and have a satisfying breastfeeding experience.

I too had a little one with very poor oral motor which was finger feed for
weeks, finally could feed with haberman and at about 3 months when to breast
and then refused to take a bottle.  Mom had to go back to work at 5 months
and is having to nurse more at night and go to sitter at lunch to feed
because this little girl will now have no part of a bottle.

Warmly,
Pat Lindsey, IBCLC
Pediatrics Plus Staff LC  www.pedsplus.com
Private Practice www.PatLC.com

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