Breastfeeding is a natural process in which a mother feeds her baby with her milk. It has numerous benefits for both the mother and her baby. However, some mothers choose to breastfeed their babies with their fingers or pacifiers instead of their breasts.

While this method may seem convenient, it has some downsides that every mother should be aware of.

1. Lack of Nutrients

When a mother breastfeeds her baby directly from her breasts, the baby gets all the necessary nutrients from the milk. However, when a mother uses her finger or pacifier to feed her baby, the baby may not get enough nutrients.

This is because breast milk changes based on the baby’s needs, and the baby’s cues while breastfeeding. When a mother feeds her baby with a finger or pacifier, the milk doesn’t change to meet the needs of the baby, resulting in the baby not getting enough nutrients.

2. Dental Problems

Breastfeeding with a finger or pacifier can cause dental problems for babies. When a baby sucks on a pacifier or finger, it can cause tooth decay and malalignment of the teeth.

Over time, this can lead to expensive dental problems that could have been easily avoided.

3. Risk of Infections

Babies who are breastfed with a finger or pacifier have a higher risk of infections. This is because the pacifier or finger may not be clean, and it can transfer bacteria to the baby’s mouth.

Additionally, babies who are breastfed through a pacifier or finger may not be able to drain the milk completely from their mouths, which can result in milk buildup and the growth of bacteria.

4. Decreased Milk Supply

When a mother breastfeeds her baby from her breasts, her body responds by producing more milk. This is because the baby’s suckling stimulates the production of milk.

However, when a mother uses her finger or pacifier to breastfeed, her body may not receive the same stimulation, resulting in a decrease in milk supply. This can lead to a baby not getting enough milk, which can result in slow growth and development.

5. Reduced Bonding

Breastfeeding is a bonding experience between a mother and her baby. When a mother uses her finger or pacifier to breastfeed, it reduces the bonding experience between the mother and her baby.

Bonding is crucial for a baby’s emotional development and can have long-term effects on a baby’s life.

6. Decreased Feeding Skills

Babies who are breastfed with a finger or pacifier may not develop proper feeding skills. This is because the finger or pacifier stimulates the baby’s tongue and palate in a different way compared to breastfeeding.

When a baby is breastfed with a finger or pacifier for an extended period, they may have difficulty transitioning to proper breastfeeding, which can be problematic for them and the mother.

7. Inability to Measure Intake

When a mother breastfeeds her baby from her breasts, she can measure how much milk the baby is getting. This is not possible with finger or pacifier breastfeeding.

As a result, it can be difficult for a mother to determine if her baby is getting enough milk.

8. Sore Nipples

When a mother breastfeeds her baby with her fingers or pacifiers, it can lead to sore nipples. This is because the baby may suck harder on a finger or pacifier than they do on a breast, resulting in sore nipples for the mother.

9. Reduced Milk Ejection Reflex

When a baby is breastfeeding directly from the breast, their suckling triggers the milk ejection reflex, which releases more milk for the baby to feed on.

However, when a mother uses her finger or pacifier, the reflex may not occur, which can result in a reduced milk ejection reflex over time.