What is Finger Feeding?
Finger feeding is a technique that 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:
 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
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?)
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
Breastfeeding is stopped temporarily (there are very few legitimate reasons to stop breastfeeding)
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
How to finger feed? |
