Hello
I have a question from an LC colleague in private practice who does not have
internet access. I have already done a search of the archives searching
fingerfeeding and thumb(s). This LC and client are using fingerfeeding as
alternate feeding method due to small baby (born preterm) and large nipples.
The father suggested use of the thumb (which more approximates size of mom's
nipples) to fingerfeed. But he is reluctant to do so w/o documentation of
the appropriateness of this practice. The LC wants to know if using the
thumb is substantially different from using the finger, i.e. does the
different shape of the thumb, angle of the thumb/joint, and the awkward
positioning of the hand to present the thumb make the fingerfeeding less
effective/less desirable. The parents are asking for literature on this. I
found only one post stating that a client had large nipples and the
fingerfeeding finger was advanced over time til baby could accept a thumb. I
told my LC colleague that I did not believe there was any set "protocol" on
the right finger to use, that I have heard of other LCs selecting a finger
that best matched the size of the mom, and that using the thumb seemed
reasonable in this case. But that I would ask the great minds on lactnet for
their thoughts on this matter. Please state in your post that I have
permission to share your comments w/ the LC in question. And if you can cc
directly to my email too.

Laurie Wheeler, RN, MN, IBCLC
Violet Louisiana, s.e. USA
mailto:[log in to unmask]

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