I'd like to make two points in defense of fingerfeeding: it can be
therapeutic in stimulating tongue extension or peristalsis in a baby with
suboptimal sucking skills and the parents' perception of it is partially
related to how we present it.  I present fingerfeeding as a nice intimate
way to nourish a baby while we are teaching him the skills neccesary to
breastfeed.  Most parents in my practice really like the fingerfeeding,
especially dads, who get a little taste of what it is like to breastfeed.
--
Catherine Watson Genna, IBCLC  NYC  [log in to unmask]