Should i let baby use me as a dummy?

[justwingingit10]

My DS is 8 weeks old and ebf. Now that he is more alert I feel he is using boob as a dummy. For example, if unsettled when out in loud, unfamiliar environment with new faces/ voices he is really only comforted by feeding, even if he has just fed. When out and someone else holds him (even dad) he will whimper and do his feeding cues until back with me. He will go on for few minutes and not properly feed but will settle and often fall asleep.
Is this common because he is still very young and just wants to be close to his mum? Should I introduce a dummy instead?

I really hate that expression. It should be using a dummy as a nipple.

However, both my babies were the way you describe and I’m afraid I just spent a lot of time with them on the boob. 8 weeks is very young and they need you - it will ease up with time. Relax and go with the flow (easier said then done I know!)

He is not using your nipple as a dummy. He is doing what is natural to him and maintaining contact with his mother. Please read about breastfeeding. Knowledge will make it easier.

Ok I appreciate my mistake in word choice

dummy is short for a 'dummy tit'
As in you use one when the baby wants to suckle for comfort but you don't want him/her to!
If you're happy for the baby to suckle and have nothing more pressing to do then go for it. It's what the baby wants/needs.

You are the safest most familiar place baby knows. Breastfeeding in a non nutritive way is the closest baby can get to being back in your womb. Being at the breast is a tiny piece of home.

justwingingit10 oh no I wasn’t having a go! Sorry for coming across like that

Babies suck for comfort. If you can’t or won’t make your breast available then a dummy is basically a substitute breast. It’s up to you whether you want to let him suck you or a dummy. Personally I could never be bothered with sterilising and keeping track of dummies, letting DD suck on me boosted my milk supply and her calorie intake.

My 1yr old still soothes like this when she feels the need, if you are happy with it then carry on. My son had a dummy due to oversupply meaning he couldn't suck for comfort and it did make it easier for his dad to sometimes put him to bed (once he was a bit older). Up to you really, at the end of the day even if you introduce a dummy, baby will probably still choose you if available, so having it as a backup isn't a bad thing.

I have a 5 year old and I ebf from day one. I loved the closeness and contact it promoted. Now my horrible tactless family hated the fact i refused to wean him..I couldn't ever express even tho.i tried and I never liked using dummies. I read a lot about bf and a baby/toddler is supposed to decide when he stops. Apparently boys are harder to wean and I know DS would still bf now if he could! Ebf means you'll more than likely end up co sleeping. I read Three in a Bed and as long as you practice safe sleeping there's nothing wrong with this.. look at other cultures.
I'd just say enjoy this precious time and def ignore tactless comments. It's your baby, your body

@HenSolo no, you made a good point 😊

@barryfromclareisfit I have read a fair amount on bf. I was really just keen to hear others experiences as my friends bf babies are not as clingy to mum only as much as my ds is.

Thank you for your replies!

I think it's completely biologically normal for babies to nurse for comfort.