Finger Feeding

Finger feeding is another alternative feeding method that allows mom and dad a way of feeding baby that reduces the occurrence of nipple confusion which results from giving baby an artificial nipple.

Finger feeding is very similar to breastfeeding and is sometimes used for a few minutes before breastfeeding to prepare baby to take the breast. The sucking needed is very similar to that needed while breastfeeding.

If mom can, she should try using the lactation aid while breastfeeding so that her breasts are stimulated while baby is receiving the milk. This will help increase milk supply. Watch the video on how to use a lact aid at the breast.

Reasons for finger feeding baby

- Baby is unable to latch on properly due to cleft palate/lip or other sucking problems.

- Baby is very sleepy at the breast and needs to be woken up. The increased flow of milk usually wakes baby.

- Sore cracked nipples need a break for healing

- Baby is separated from mom for some reason.

- Breast refusal

- Feeding premature babies

How to finger feed

- Get your lactation aid ready. (lactation aid tube attached to a bottle) Get your pumped milk or formula (depending on your personal circumstances)

- Wash your hands.

- Get comfortable

- Sometimes it's best to use two fingers, the larger the finger the better, as this will teach baby to open his mouth wider…which will come in handy when he needs to start breastfeeding again.

- You can tape the feeding tube to your finger (whichever finger is the most comfortable) so that the end of the tube is in line with the end of your finger and not longer.

- Gently put the finger (soft part of finger against baby’s palate) with the tube into baby’s mouth. If baby is asleep he will usually start to suck…as soon as the liquid enters his mouth he should wake up.

- Baby will usually suck the finger in quite far, this is normal. Try to keep your finger as flat as possible on baby’s tongue. You can pull baby’s chin down if his lower lip is sucked in.

- Try to keep the bottle above baby’s head, making sure that the milk flows freely down the tube. Some moms tuck the bottle under their arm pits for free hands while holding baby.

- The higher you hold the bottle the faster the flow will be. So when baby starts to drink slower you can lift the bottle, but not too much as you don’t want baby to start choking on the milk.

- After feeding baby, make sure you clean the tube and bottle well. You can rinse it through with vinegar to make sure that it's clean and disinfected.

Advantages

- Your finger is natural and tastes like you “mom” or “dad” which is comforting to baby.

- Baby still benefits from sucking and jaw movement

- Sleepy babies have been found to drink more with this method

Disadvantages

- Baby may prefer the finger over moms nipple, especially if mom has inverted or flat nipples

- Baby may become accustomed to opening the mouth very little where as with breastfeeding baby needs to open the mouth quite wide. This can ultimately result in a bad latch.

- Parents may find it a little complicated and leave breastfeeding completely

- A Finger feeding newborn sometimes takes very long to feed. Cup feeding is sometimes preferred if tube feeding takes too long.

- Cup feeding

Leave a comment

Want to share your stories? Ask a question or just say hello...