ABSTRACT

This chapter covers a range of alternative feeding methods and the use of donor milk when the mother's own breastmilk is not available. It also describes responsive bottle-feeding and safe artificial feeding, including instructions on sterilising feeding equipment. In some literature, 'supplementary' means giving a feed in place of a breastfeed, whereas 'complementary' means topping up a breastfeed with expressed breastmilk, formula or even water. Nasogastric tube feeding is used to provide breast or formula milk for premature or ill infants where the infant cannot maintain its nutritional needs via the breast or bottle alone; or due to a lack of ability to suckle adequately. Finger feeding is where a feeding tube is attached to the finger and inserted in the infant's mouth. A Haberman feeder is a special bottle developed for infants with impaired sucking ability. Careful consideration must be given to the method of providing nutrition so that it is not detrimental to later breastfeeding success.