On Aug 4, judy k. dunlap posted about poor early feeders and that they may
well result from all the OB interventions.  She stated she does not recommend
a pump til 24 hours because little colostrum is obtained, mom feels she
doesn't have milk, and nipples are being stimulated already by many attempts
(though unsuccessful) at attachment.
Lots of good points, judy.  If the baby is getting better at bf with each
attempt and seems like he will catch on pretty soon, your approach seems
prudent.   I have always recommended the use of the pump fairly early if the
baby just does not seem interested, does not look like he's going to catch on
soon, and also to get some colostrum to entice the baby onto the breast,
using it in a dropper or with periodontal syringe or to finger/cup feed.
The UNICEF/WHO 18 hour Baby Friendly Course recommends starting  pumping by
12 hrs.  I feel that the breasts need to know someone out there wants milk,
and if the baby is not saying so, then the pump will.  But, as you said, the
nuzzling and licking, etc are providing some stimulation.
I am very interested in others views on when to intervene with the pump.  I
also feel that the SNS, while a wonderful tool when indicated, is pushed too
much by some LCs.  I think it could be  overwhelming to moms and I don't use
it much with these early cases (I like the starter SNS better when
indicated).
I am always learning and rethinking my approaches and in general am becoming
less interventionist.  Comments on this?

Laurie Wheeler, Rnc, Mn, Ibclc
Louisiana