Finger feeding And Breastfeeding

Fingerfeeding is another way to feed your baby. It is a technique that allows you to feed your baby without giving an artificial nipple. It is similar to breastfeeding. It helps train the baby to take your breast. This will be a temporary way to feed your baby if your baby needs extra calories or your breast just too sore to breastfeed.

The baby can take your breastmilk from a tube or you can use a syringe, while the baby is sucking your finger. It is important to work with a professional who has been taught the technique properly. In fact, I teach many patients how to . Additionally, reduces the occurrence of nipple confusion. Sucking on a finger is similar to how a baby sucks on a mom’s breast nipple. Pull your finger in and out to help the baby suck and stay stimulated. Keep the baby’s tongue down and forward over the gum. Help the mouth stay wide open with your finger.

encourages your baby to suck the correct way. You avoid bottles and artificial nipples by . It provides good nourishment for your baby rapidly.

You can use a feeding tube or a syringe. These are the two methods I recommend. You will put either breastmilk or formula in the feeding tube or syringe. The line is a 5G feeding tube. The syringe is a 10 ml syringe with a slip tip perfect for the baby’s mouth.

First of all, you need to wash your hands. You can use gloves if you like. I usually do to be more sanitary. Make sure you support the baby’s head and neck area. Sometimes I use a pillow to prop the baby up or the mother holds the baby in her hand. Line up the feeding tube with your finger. You can use tape. Put the syringe in the corner of the baby’s mouth while you have your finger the index,middle finger or pinky finger,inside. As the baby sucks the milk will go into the baby’s mouth with the line. When you push the syringe with breastmilk or formula, the baby will suck and drink.

You will use warm water and soap. For the line, you will need a syringe to squirt through the line. The syringe will be able to come apart for cleaning. You will be able to use the tubing or syringe over and over again.

In conclusion, always consult your pediatrician about supplementing. Have a Lactation Consultant help you learn to . I am properly trained to help you .

References

Cadwell, K. (2006). Maternal and Infant Assessment for Breastfeeding and Human Lactation. A Guide for the Practitioner. (2 ed.) Boston: Jones and Bartlett Publishers. p 108.

Cadwell, K. and Turner-Maffei, C. (2006). Breastfeeding A-Z. Boston: Jones and Bartlett. p 245.

Hoag, Dann, M. (2007) Lactation Management: Techniques, and Tools for the Health Care Provider. Buffalo: sans Serif. p 201.

Riordin, J. and Wambach, K. (2010) Breastfeeding And Human Lactation (4 ed.). Boston: Jones and Bartlett Publishers, p 232.