Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Flexible and made to last.

Meet the Other Phone.
Flexible and made to last.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Infant feeding

Get advice and support with infant feeding from other users here.

Original poster

Does your baby love breastfeeding?

21 replies

MrsCremuel · 15/04/2023 08:49

My babies have all been v keen breast feeders. The physical benefits to the baby are much discussed but the big thing for us is how much comfort and joy it gives them. Maybe this is more relevant for older breast feeders and is less discussed? Things I’m talking about; general giggling, smiles, squishing of the boobs, cuddly tickliness etc etc. it’s been a lifesaver when they are sick or sad. Anyone else?

This is meant to be a positive thread, not bashing anyone!

OP posts:
LT2 · 15/04/2023 08:55

Yes, my 14 month old still loves it. It's my go-to way of comforting him when he gets hurt, and I still feed to sleep right now (apart from naps - they are in the buggy).

Luredbyapomegranate · 15/04/2023 08:56

But formula fed babies do all this when they’re being fed? And what’s being older got to do with it? I’m glad it makes you happy obviously.

LillyBugg · 15/04/2023 09:02

I think the OP is talking about the baby being older rather than the breastfeeder being older.

toodledo · 15/04/2023 09:02

My baby (7m) still loves boob but he also likes squeezing and pinching it, as well as my face, while he's feeding. I do love that 9/10 if he's upset boob will comfort him. I'd really like to make it to a year.

Original poster
MrsCremuel · 15/04/2023 09:03

@Luredbyapomegranate all babies can express themselves to a degree at any age but I was thinking some of the behaviours I get with my children are because they are older and more able i.e. trying to breastfeeding whilst dancing/wrestling and generally being silly as a sort of joke for example.

When a formula fed baby is sad for whatever reason, would you give them a bottle? Genuinely interested. I suppose breastfeeding acts like a cuddle in this scenario but I know if I were to just offer a cuddle they’d ask to feed.

OP posts:
MrsBunnyEars · 15/04/2023 09:13

Yes, it was magical seeing how much DD loved it, and how close it made us. BFing is a true natural wonder!

Twizbe · 15/04/2023 19:01

Oxytocin is an important part of breastfeeding. The act is known to be a pain reliever as well. Many women report that they use breastfeeding as a parenting tool. A lot of us have fed to sleep because it works.

Twizbe · 15/04/2023 19:03

Luredbyapomegranate · 15/04/2023 08:56

But formula fed babies do all this when they’re being fed? And what’s being older got to do with it? I’m glad it makes you happy obviously.

I understand your sentiment, but it's ok for breastfeeding mums to share what they like about it. It doesn't always have to be a comparison.

Babies find comfort and joy in lots of things. Breastfeeding is one of those things.

Kentlassie · 15/04/2023 19:17

Yes. I love bf my 8 month old as much as he loves it, for all of the reasons listed.

AppleTree16 · 15/04/2023 19:19

My baby loves BFing so much I have no idea how I’m going to wean her when the time comes 🫣

googledidnthelp · 15/04/2023 19:23

Yes my 19 month old son gets excited and still very much likes a feed even though I'm to just stick to bedtime I think it's the highlight of his day and still worth waking up for several times a night

AmyandPhilipfan · 15/04/2023 19:26

Mine adored it so much (despite me having problems with milk production so she was combi fed pretty much from the start) that I had to insist on stopping when she turned 5! She'd only really fed if she woke in the night (and I very much doubt she was actually getting anything by then, she was just using me as a dummy) since she was 2 but she was in no hurry to stop but I had had enough by then! In fact I tried when she was 3 but she was having none of it! When she was a baby if she got fussy a boob in the mouth solved everything. I was pleased she never made an absolute switch to bottles as she wouldn't take a dummy so I had no idea how to calm her down if she wouldn't take a boob!

AnneLovesGilbert · 15/04/2023 19:26

Yes, it’s been a huge positive with both DC. I fed DD till she was 3.5 and now feeding DS who’s a few weeks old.

AnneLovesGilbert · 15/04/2023 19:30

AppleTree16 · 15/04/2023 19:19

My baby loves BFing so much I have no idea how I’m going to wean her when the time comes 🫣

It might be fine 😊

I spent a long time worrying about how I’d eventually get DD off and it not being too traumatic, especially once I was pregnant and knew I didn’t want to tandem feed. In the end she only bf for naps, she carried on napping for aaaaages, but she did a week with no naps and therefore no feeds, didn’t notice and then one day said “mum I don’t have feeds anymore” and I said no you don’t, she looked a bit sad and said could she have one, I said the milk was gone now and she was so big and strong she didn’t need them anymore and she never mentioned it again.

Now I’m feeding DS she just says she used to have feeds as well and seems happy for him.

EdithGrantham · 15/04/2023 19:37

Love breastfeeding, still feeding my 20mo DD. I love the connection it gives me us. I work FT and she always asks for milk when I get in, if I try to watch telly or look at my phone during that feed she reaches up and turns my face to her 🥰🥰 I love how it can help with getting her to sleep and if she's upset or hurt.

TooManyAnimals94 · 15/04/2023 19:39

I only fed to 8m but I have to say I never noticed her having any particular love of feeding and neither did I. I could never comfort her with it and she was never bothered whether her milk came from me or a bottle.

YukoandHiro · 15/04/2023 19:43

Yes my 2.5yo still loves it, particularly if feeling under the weather or very tired. I'm probably going to wean before 3 but just trying to get potty training out of the way first. I don't want too much change all at once

bakewellbride · 15/04/2023 19:50

My daughter used to absolutely adore breastfeeding. I've never formula fed her, only ever breastfed and we always found it both a breeze and a pure joy.

Then one day, about 2 weeks ago, she just decided without warning that she didn't want to breastfeed any more and that was the end of that. I always thought it would last until 18 months. She's only 1.

It can happen to anyone at any time. It happened to me and it broke my heart. What I wouldn't give to go back in time and breastfeed again. My son breastfed until nearly a year and a half and we had a gradual end that we both knew was coming. It's so sad.

sandberry · 15/04/2023 19:59

My 4yo still adores it even though I’m all but done and one feed a day is all I’m willing to do, she’s still sad the milk has gone. Older one weaned at 15 months and was always take it or leave it about breastfeeding, never really loved it.

LT2 · 16/04/2023 07:24

Sad how we can't celebrate breastfeeding without someone coming along that appears to be offended about it really.

Missscarletintheconservatory · 23/04/2023 00:29

Yes my baby really enjoys breastfeeding, sees it as a game at times and loves clambering over me or switching between the boobs, gets all excited seeing me come out of the shower. I have to wrap towel around me until I'm dry because they want to feed and play with my boobs. I think this is what OP means.
It's no longer just good or comfort, a fun element has crept in too. I don't think that is part of bottle feeding in the same way (I come from a long line of bottle-fed babies). It amuses me too and feels like a lovely connection. I make a point of not always looking at mumsnet or my phone when breastfeeding because it's so nice to see the baby's enjoyment.

New posts on this thread. Refresh page
Swipe left for the next trending thread