[blparent] Baby latching on

[Jo Elizabeth Pinto]

The finger feeder, which is officially called a supplemental nutrition 
system, I think, is also helpful if you have to introduce formula.  You can 
fill a bottle and then tape the end of the tiny feeding tube to your nipple 
so that the baby is nursing at your breast but also getting formula.  The 
use of the finger feeder can be very tricky at first if you are new to it, 
so your best plan might be to call a lactation consultant or see if someone 
from the hospital would be available to give you some hands-on help.  There 
are options out there for your nursing support, though, so hang in there and 
try not to be overwhelmed.

Jo Elizabeth

Until lions have their historians, tales of the hunt shall always glorify 
the hunters.--African Proverb

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From: "Karla Hudson" <HudsonKC at msu.edu>
Sent: Saturday, February 06, 2010 3:59 PM
To: <blparent at nfbnet.org>
Subject: [blparent] Baby latching on

> Hi Leslie,
>
> I had challenges in the beginning nursing my daughter who is now seven. 
> She
> was not premature but still had difficulties getting the right latch.  I
> never used the shields for nursing.  Did anyone talk to you about a finger
> feeder.  This device is often used for premature babies but I used it with
> my baby to get the nursing and food in her.  The device has a small tube
> that the milk comes through for the baby to suck from yours or your 
> husbands
> finger. I would always attempt to nurse him first.  However, if you have
> trouble you may want to pump and feed through a finger feeder.  It takes
> some of the pressure off of you and also gives your husband something to
> help with as well.  A great bonding moment for them. Also, a nursing 
> pillow
> can also be helpful for positioning. My arms would get tired holding that
> squirming baby.  Again, always try nursing first and then get assistance
> with finger feeding if you decide to use this method. The feeder also 
> helps
> as the child will not get nipple confusion from introducing a bottle.
>
> Hope this helps.
>
> Karla
>
>
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