We sometimes see babies who are able to latch when the breast is soft, 
but have a much harder time once the breast is firmer as milk production 
increases. They usually are able to latch as the excess fluid recedes 
and their mouths grow. Posterior tongue tie is one condition that can 
cause this scenario.

Usually babies that can make breastfeeding work are happy to do it, and 
those who latch onto an alternate feeding method as if it's the first 
time they got fed (it may be so) are generally making a rational choice.

How to make breastfeeding work for the baby is the problem that our 
detective work must tease apart, and find solutions for.

I'd be encouraged that the baby is latching when she is most alert and 
organized, I'd encourage mom to keep on offering, and hang in there. I 
would not continue fingerfeeding if it is taking a long time. It should 
be an efficient method of feeding. What device is mom using? If you have 
specific oral motor problems you are addressing by fingerfeeding, then 
perhaps mom can alternate fingerfeeding and bottle feeding, along with 
offering the breast frequently, to ensure that the baby gets sufficient 
milk, gets some strong oral input, and gets the message that there are 
many ways to get fed.
Catherine Watson Genna, IBCLC  NYC

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