Human dummy

[LittleJack15]

My chap is 9weeks old. i'm breastfeeding and he is more or less constantly feeding.
He also falls asleep a lot on the breast. Is he using me as a human dummy?

[TheSurgeonsMate]

Yes

[NeedlesCuties]

It is normal for him to do that, he's still a tiny baby and not long out of the womb.

It's comforting for him (and for you) to be so close. Also the more he feeds the better your milk supply will be.

From memory of my 2 kids, the constant feeding tends to calm down a bit around 16 weeks.

You're doing a great job.

[nananaps]

Hmm possibly although you need to consider a growth spurt too.

HV told me that he should have everything he needs in 20 minutes of feeding.
I kinda follow this and take my little chap off after 20 mins and wind him. If he cries for more, i put him back on, for a "snack" type top up.

Nappies wet/dirty i presume? Are you getting him weighed regularly? i only ask as this is what reassured me that i was doing ok. keep going, you are doing a fantastic job chuck x

[poocatcherchampion]

dummies are substitute nipples not the other way around

normal though. it will pass!!

[nananaps]

BTW i have a little Jack too and he is scrumptious

[NeedlesCuties]

poocatcher glad you said that! I said that on another thread about 2 years ago and got a roasting for it from someone!

I think think I'm right, and glad you agree

[poocatcherchampion]

I nearly didn't say it as it is a bit patronising but I figure its true! and if people let babies suck on artificial nipples as long as they they should let them so it with the real thing.

[LittleJack15]

Thanx everyone.
Should I just let him carry on then?

[LittleJack15]

He does have a lot of wind. So some times I wonder if that has something to do with it? Should I not let him go to sleep on my breast?
Sorry a bit tired so not with it very much.

[poocatcherchampion]

I didn't worry about it. after about 3-4 months I started putting her down a bit when she was asleep. and it was about 5 months before I could put her down before she fell asleep. from about 7 months she rarely slept on me any more
I don't think there is a lot you can make them do before 6 months (I'm not an expert tho), but I do know milk and sleep is good!

[Midori1999]

It's fine, normal and healthy for your baby to use your breast for comfort if you don't mind this. Dummies are substitute mummies, not the other way round, as has been said. As your baby gets older you can use the breast to not only comfort your baby, but relieve pain too, due to teething, or immunisations etc. of course, again, if you want to do that. Breastfeeding is about so much more than just food.

Your baby will gradually grow out of comfort sucking so much and will also grow out of needing/wanting to feed to sleep, but you certainly aren't doing any harm by 'allowing' him to do these things, quite the opposite in fact.