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Introduction
Finger
feeding is a technique which allows you to feed the baby without giving the baby
an artificial nipple. Finger feeding is also a method which helps train the baby
to take the breast. If you want to breastfeed successfully, it is better to
avoid the use of artificial nipples before your milk supply is well established.
Finger feeding may be used if:
1.
The baby refuses the breast for whatever reason, or if the baby is too sleepy
at the breast to nurse well. It is also a very good way to wake up a sleepy
baby.
2. The baby does not seem to be able to latch on to the breast properly,
and thus does not get milk well. (If a lactation aid can be used at the breast,
why use finger feeding?).
3. The baby is separated from the mother, for whatever reason. However,
in such a situation, a cup is probably a better method of feeding the baby.
4. Breastfeeding is stopped temporarily (there are very few legitimate
reasons to stop breastfeeding. (See
You Can Still Breastfeed).
5. Your nipples are so sore that you cannot put the baby to the breast.
Finger feeding for several days may allow your nipples to heal without causing
more problems by getting the baby used to an artificial nipple. Cup feeding is
also more appropriate in this situation and takes less time. This is only a last
resort. Proper positioning and a good latch help sore nipples far more
frequently than finger feeding (Sore Nipples).
Finger
feeding is much more similar to breastfeeding than bottle feeding is. In order
to finger feed, the baby must keep his tongue down and forward over the gums,
the mouth wide open (the larger the finger used, the better), and
the jaw forward. Furthermore, the motion of the tongue and jaw is similar to
what the baby does while feeding at the breast. Finger feeding is best used
to prepare the baby to take the breast. It should be used for a minute or
two just before trying the baby on the breast if the baby is refusing to
latch on. Cup feeding is usually easier and faster when the mother is not
present to feed the baby or to finish the feeding, if finger feeding is slow.
Please
Note: If the baby is taking the breast, it is better by far to use
the lactation aid tube at the breast, if supplementation is truly
necessary (Using a
Lactation Aid).
Finger
Feeding (best learned by watching and doing)
1.
Wash your hands. It is better if the finger nail on the finger you will use has
been cut short, but this is not necessary.
2. It is best to position yourself and the baby comfortably. The baby's
head should be supported with one hand behind his shoulders and neck, the baby
should be on your lap, half seated, and facing you. However, any position which
is comfortable for you and the baby and which allows you to keep your finger
flat in the baby’s mouth, will do.
3. You will need a lactation aid, made up of a feeding tube (#5F, 36"
long), and a feeding bottle with expressed breast milk, sugar water, or, if
necessary, formula, depending on the circumstances. The feeding tube is passed
through the enlarged nipple hole into the fluid.
4. Line up the tube so that it sits on the soft part of your index (or
other) finger. The end of the tube should line up no further than the end
of your finger. It is easiest to grip the tube, about where it makes a gentle
curve, between your thumb and middle finger and then position your index finger
under the tube. If this is done properly, there is no need to tape the tube to
your finger.
5. Using the finger with the tube, tickle the baby's lips lightly, until
the baby opens up his mouth enough to allow your finger to enter. If the baby is
very sleepy, but needs to be fed, the finger may be gently insinuated into his
mouth. Generally, the baby will begin to suckle even if asleep, and receiving
liquids will then awaken him.
6. Insert your finger with the tube so that the soft part of your finger
remains upwards. Keep your finger as flat as possible. Usually the baby will
begin sucking on the finger, and allow the finger to enter quite far. The baby
will not usually gag on your finger even if it is in his mouth quite far, unless
the baby is full or used to bottles.
7. Pull down the baby's chin, if his lower lip is sucked in.
8. The technique is working if the baby is drinking. If feeding is very
slow, you may raise the bottle above the baby's head. Try to keep your finger
straight, flattening the baby's tongue. Try not to point your finger up, but
keep it flat, thus keeping down the baby's tongue, and working the lower jaw
forward.
9. The use of finger feeding with a syringe to push milk into the baby's
mouth, is, in my opinion, too difficult for the mother to do alone and
definitely not more effective than simply using a bottle with the nipple
hole enlarged and the tube coming from it.
If you
are having trouble getting the baby to latch on to or to suckle at the breast,
remember that a ravenous baby can make the going very difficult. Take the edge
off his hunger by using the finger feeding technique for a minute or so. Once
the baby has settled a little, and sucks well on your finger (usually only a
minute or so), try offering the breast again. If you still encounter difficulty,
do not be discouraged. Go back to finger feeding and try again later in the feed
or next feeding. This technique usually works. Sometimes several
days, or on occasion a week or more, of finger feeding are necessary, however.
If you
are leaving the hospital finger feeding the baby, make an appointment with your
doctor or clinic within a day or so of discharge. The earlier the better.
Once the
baby is taking the breast, he may still require the lactation aid to supplement
for a period of time. Although the baby may take the breast, the latch can still
be less than ideal, and the suckle may still not be efficient enough to ensure
adequate intake.
About The Author: Dr. Jack Newman is a Toronto
pediatrician who has practiced medicine since 1970. In 1984 he established the
first hospital based breastfeeding clinic in Canada, at the Hospital for Sick
Children in Toronto. He now holds breastfeeding clinics in several Toronto area
hospitals. Jack has been a consultant with UNICEF's Baby Friendly Hospital
Initiative and has spoken at conferences around the world. He is the father of
three children, all breastfed.
Dr. Newman is the author of
"The Ultimate Breastfeeding Book of Answers"
NOTE: The article above titled "Finger
Feeding" was written by Dr. Jack Newman and is the opinion of its author. "The New Parents Guide" does not guarantee the information to
be factual. Always use the guidance of your personal
doctor or your child's doctor over information you read on this site or elsewhere; your doctors know what is
best for you and your baby.
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