I'm a bit nervous about writing this post.  I really like Haberman Feeders
and use them frequently. What I'm worried about is this- I find them so
helpful and easy to use that I worry they will become popular and abused.
Remember how we all used to feel about nipple shields?  And you know how
careful we are with informed consent and follow up when we use shields?  But
you also know how many nursing relationships have been saved by shields too,
don't you.  So I have a lot of similar feelings about the HF.  Secretly, I
wish I were the only person authorized to give them out (that's how I feel
about shields too).(Just kidding)

Of course, if a baby will go to the breast AND is not doing too much damage
to the mom's nipples, I prefer to supplement at breast.  Some moms will not
or cannot do that.  If that's the case, then I find that in almost all cases,
if the mom will agree to pump, the HF is the next choice I offer her.

Why not?  What is closer to breastfeeding- a cup or the HF?  Is  finger
feeding closer to breastfeeding?  Can a baby use tongue peristalsis better on
a soft HF nipple or a hard finger? (Finger feeding for suck training is
useful, I think).  The controllable speed of the HF allows parents to provide
a nice feeding experience (appropriate suck/swallow rhythm) for the baby.
The long nipple delivers a bolus far into the baby's mouth.  The wide base
encourages wide opening by the baby and relaxed lips.  I wouldn't say the HF
improves a suck (although some parent's have said that) but I have not seen
it deteriorate any baby's suck either and sometimes you just need a nice way,
for parents and baby, to feed the baby (Rule 1) while you fix the
breastfeeding (Rule 3).  Don't forget, mom must pump if feedings are
occurring away from the breast (Rule 2- support the milk supply).  Yikes, I'm
scaring myself!!!!
Chonyi Glassman, IBCLC              16 Raymond Avenue
[log in to unmask]                      Chestnut Ridge, NY 10977
845-426-6746

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