Finger feeding is a special technique for giving breast milk or formula to babies using their fingers. Finger feeding allows babies to learn to breastfeed naturally.
When getting finger feeding , the baby will suck the finger like sucking the nipple.
Why is it necessary to do it?Finger Feeding?
Source: freepik
As reported by verywellfamily , breastfeeding a baby using your fingers can be used if:
1. The baby cannot latch on (latch) to the breast correctly
Some babies cannot latch on (latch) to the breast properly, as a result they do not get breast milk or milk properly.
In conditions like this, the technique of breastfeeding the baby using fingers can be used.
2. The baby is separated from the mother
Today’s lifestyles often require babies to be separated from their mothers. This can cause babies to become anxious and refuse to breastfeed or use a bottle.
As an alternative, finger feeding may be an appropriate way to provide breast milk or formula to babies.
3. Ways to choose to feed a sleepy baby
If the baby is too sleepy to breastfeed directly, the baby is less likely to latch on well to the breast.
In this situation, finger feeding is also a possible way to give breast milk or formula to a sleepy baby.
4. If there is a problem with the mother’s nipples
Breastfeeding mothers often experience nipple problems, such as soreness, sensitivity, and other issues. These nipple problems make it difficult for them to breastfeed directly.
Finger feeding for a few days allows your nipples to heal.
Benefits of Finger Feeding
Source: freepik
Compared to other breastfeeding techniques (such as using a pacifier), finger feeding is known to offer many benefits. Here are some of the benefits of finger feeding:
- It can help babies understand how to use their tongue to latch on and suckle the nipple properly.
- Compared to other techniques, finger feeding can create skin-to-skin contact (skin to skin contact) between mother and baby remains awake.
- Babies tend to be less likely to reject the finger feeding technique compared to using a pacifier.
- The baby will not experience confusion between the breast nipple and the rubber nipple of the pacifier, making it easier to return to breastfeeding directly at the breast.
Equipment You Need to Finger Feed Your Baby
Source: freepik
When deciding to feed your baby breast milk or formula using your finger, you will need some of these tools:
- Feeding tube or feeding tube number 5 with a minimum length of 90 cm.
- Transparent medical plaster.
- Clean rubber bands.
- Clean, sterile gloves (optional).
- Hand sanitizer.
- Expressed breast milk or formula.
- A bag or container to store all items safely.
How to Breastfeed a Baby with Your Fingers
Source: freepik
Before finger feeding your baby, follow these steps to learn the correct procedure:
- Make sure your hands and fingers are completely clean.
- Make sure you don’t have sharp nails.
- Position your baby comfortably.
- Tape the feeding tube to one side of your finger using clear medical tape, making sure the end of the tube is right at the tip of your finger.
- Insert the other side of the feeding tube into the breast milk or formula tube.
- Encourage your baby to open their mouth and place your finger in their mouth. Don’t insert your finger too deeply.
- Make sure your finger touches the baby’s tongue.
- Gently touch his tongue to get him to start sucking like he does on the breast.
- The milk will gradually flow from the container.
- Remove your finger from your baby’s mouth when your baby appears full and begins to reject your finger.
How Can Finger Feeding Be Used as Sucking Training for Babies?
There’s a good chance that finger-feeding can help teach your baby to suck. However, this should only be done if recommended by your pediatrician and in the manner recommended by your pediatrician .Parents.
Hope this information is helpful!
Republished with permission from theAsianParent Indonesia
