Is it OK to let my baby breastfeed for comfort?
So how do you know if your baby is breastfeeding for comfort instead of nutrition? First off if your baby seems to be getting enough milk, but your child continues to suck for an hour or more,they may be breastfeeding for comfort rather than for nourishment. Some indications to look for:
- Your child seems seems satisfied
- They stop sucking and swallowing
- Your Child plays with your nipple
Early on, it is generally OK to let your baby nurse for comfort, but at some point in the second or third month, you should probably wean your baby from that habit and make breastfeeding sessions about getting nourishment not pacifying.
Some things you may try:
- offer your baby his or her thumb or hand to suck on.
- You also could consider giving your little one a pacifier, but only after the first month so breastfeeding is well established.
- You can also offer a bottle, but also wait until breastfeeding patterns are well established to avoid”nipple confusion.”
It is OK to let your baby breastfeed for comfort, but as they grow and develop you can help them find additional ways for them to seek and find that comfort.
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