There may be times when you can’t breast feed due to a low breast milk supply, and/or you can’t use a bottle and you either don’t want to or don’t have access to a breast pump. Some lactation experts recommend finger feeding for babies who have problems with sucking. In order to ensure that baby gets all the nutrition possible without the use of breast or bottle, you can use the hazel baker finger feeder, a special feeding device. A parent or caregiver can feed baby with supplemental milk, using the feeder that attaches to the finger. This solution offers baby the physical and psychological benefits of sucking, while you avoid having to give baby an artificial nipple. And baby feeling the contact of human skin while feeding is very comforting.

It’s important for baby to learn the skills needed for breast feeding. Using the finger feeder will allow baby to suck in a way that’s like breast feeding – keeping baby’s mouth wide, tongue down and forward over the lower gum with lower jaw forward. Some lactation experts recommend a man’s thumb or finger be used when feeding; any finger similar in size to the nipple or a mouthful of breast.

How do you finger feed? After you decide which finger to be used, trim the nail as closely as possible and wash your hands thoroughly. Read the instructions to determine if washing the hazel baker finger feeder is required. Assemble the finger feeder. Decide whether you want to attach it to the finger, or whether you want to hold it in place with your other fingers. Attach it towards the end of the finger, but don’t let it extend beyond the tip of your finger. The tube can be hung around your neck or clipped to your clothing. Now pick up baby and sit where it’s comfortable for both of you. Although there are two good positions, and any position that feels right to you and works is fine. One position is to hold baby in your lap in a half seated position that’s facing you. Support baby’s head, neck and upper back with the hand you aren’t feeding with. The feeder filled with supplement should be held or suspended equal to baby’s head or just above – some moms tuck it under their armpit. The other position is to situate baby so that the head is in the crook of your arm, using your other hand to give the finger feeder. While baby faces you, use the pad side of your finger to point to you and up, stroking downward across baby’s lips, which will encourage a wide open mouth, which is what’s needed for a good latch on the breast. When baby opens widely, keep your finger straight so baby sucks and draws it deeper into the mouth. Don’t let the weight of your hand rest on baby’s lower jaw. If baby starts to suck in either lip, gently pull them out or let baby relatch properly. If baby persists, gently pressing downward on the chin may teach baby to rely on the tongue to get milk than on suction. If this process seems to take too long or if baby seems to be working too hard, raise the finger feeder to improve the flow of milk, but not so high that baby might gag or choke. Or tape two tubes together for double the milk flow.

The hazel baker finger feeder has an ergonomic design and flow rate system that helps baby pace the feeding. The contents include the bulb/tubing assembly, disc, membrane, tubing clamp, tape and instructions – everything you need to successfully feed baby – everything you need for peace of mind.