"Therefor, the hospital policy is to NOT teach the parents how to finger feed.
Only hospital staff may fingerfeed, and it is BREAST or BOTTLE or BOTH at
discharge."

Brenda - This kind of thinking drives me insane!  There are, of course, lots
of ways to feed a newborn without giving a bottle, and I feel that what is
used should work for the baby and the parents - whether it's finger, cup,
syringe, SNS to breast, or even a nipple shield.  BUT the real point is
having a great outpatient followup program and a plan that includes followup
care soon after discharge (within 1-3 days depending on the need).  F/U  can
include Home Health visits (as long as the nurses are lactation trained),
private consulations, an open BF Clinic, peds office with LC available, etc.,
etc.  Phone F/U also helps, especially if the parents have not used any of
the above resources soon after discharge.
OR if you're fortunate, as is Evergreen in the Seattle area, all
breastfeeding moms are seen by an LC 2-3 days postdischarge.  With good F/U
FTT and  dehydration don't have a chance to develop.  So, Brenda ask you
hospital/peds
to put their money (what money!) where their mouthes are help you to provide
the kind of services that will allow the families to have a successful BF
experience.  Good Luck!

Suzanne Millies RN IBCLC

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