Yes, I suggest having baby suck on parent's finger before a pacifier.  I
also suggest trying a knuckle even before a finger.  I have found that
the knuckle of the little finger closest to the body of the hand works
wonders when a baby just wants some sucking.  They usually reject it if
they really needed to nurse (as soon as they realize there's nothing
coming out of it!).  I find it can be helpful in those instances when
mom or dad needs to "tide the baby over" for a minute or so until baby
can nurse (mom's in the bathroom, company is on the way out the door,
you're in a situation where you just aren't comfortable nursing, but
will be in a comfortable place/situation shortly).  If a parent insists
on using a pacifier even in situations where we wouldn't recommend it, I
will also suggest trying a knuckle or finger first.  (That way at least
baby is being held.)
Both have the advantage of being skin like the breast.  Of course the
finger doesn't feel quite the same, but it's certainly closer than any
artificial nipple!  The knuckle avoids giving stimulation to the "s"
spot.  I feel this is one of the biggest problems with a pacifier-it
stimulates the back of the palate instantly and the next time baby goes
to breast he sucks once and then is puzzled because he doesn't feel it
right away.  It takes a few sucks to get mom's nipple to the same point.

Winnie

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