Breast as pacifier?

Question

FTM, he's 1 month old today. So, I have been feeding on demand. As of 12/30, my guy would cluster feed occasionally, but slept 4-5 hours at night. Starting on NYE, he slept 30 minutes - 1 hour, unless he was being held, and wanted to eat CONSTANTLY... Like 20-30 minutes after finishing, he wanted to go again.

I figured it was a growth spurt, so I should just grit my teeth and deal, but we saw the pediatrician today (nurse practitioner) and she said he's using my breast as a pacifier. She stated that growth spurt feeding should only last a day or two, and he's developed a bad habit of snacking rather than long, filling feeds.

Any moms with insight here? He's growing, pooping, peeing, etc. I guess I didn't think he should go on a schedule yet, but seems like he should..

Answer

I wouldn't worry too much honestly. Baby is really helping establish you milk supply right now. I would let baby nurse as often and as long as baby wants. You can't nurse too often, but you can nurse too little. I've been sharing these posts alot from kellymom.com, but they are very helpful and can help reasure you. Kellymom.com is an excellent source for information, I highly recommend it(:

Answer

Babies suckle as a form of self comfort. Breastfeeding moms more times than not turn into paci's. At your LO's age a schedule won't happen but you can try a paci to see if you can get the baby off you for a little.

Answer

Thanks for sharing this.... It'll be helpful for me too!!

Answer

Just feed on demand mama! If you have a Facebook go to breasfeeding mama talk and you'll find sooo many answers to all of these questions !

Answer

I asked the same thing to my doctor and he said it's totally normal. He actually encouraged it, said he needs it to grow. So I'm just letting him feed whenever he wants, even if it's only 30 minutes apart.

Answer

My baby is 5 weeks today. I started him on a schedule last week of every 3hours and i let him tell me the night time hours. It helped because he isnt exact to it but he is now on a similar curve of every 3hours during the day and 4-5 at night. And he wakes up to eat within 20min of my scheduled times. I found he helped my milk come in better.

Answer

I am having the same deal which I don't mind cause I love this little girl so much. But what about when we try and leave for a couple hours is it going to make it difficult for hubby?

Answer

Well, he just slept six hours, so I guess the plan wasn't all wrong!

Breast as pacifier?

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