Is Your Baby Using You as a Pacifier? Understanding Non-Nutritive Suckling
As a new parent, you might find yourself thinking, “My baby is using me as a pacifier!” At first glance, this can seem like a negative thing. However, non-nutritive suckling—where your baby suckles for comfort rather than nutrition—plays an important role in nurturing your little one. Understanding the difference between when your baby is hungry and when they are seeking comfort can help you best determine what your baby needs at that moment.
Recognizing Your Baby’s Cues
You will quickly learn your baby’s different cues as they signal hunger, distress, needing a diaper change. When it comes to feeding, crying is a late sign of hunger. Most often, your baby has sent other signals they are ready to eat. Similarly, if your baby falls asleep while breastfeeding, it’s possible they are telling you that they are full. Here are some cues to look out for:
Hunger Cues
- Opening and closing their mouth
- Bringing their hands to their mouth
- Turning their head in search of the breast
- Becoming more alert or slightly fussy
- Crying
Signs of Fullness
- No longer swallowing consistently, with softer and rapid sucks
- Coming off the breast on their own
- Relaxed and open hands
- A calm and happy demeanor
Knowing When Your Baby is Actively Feeding
Most of the time, you want breastfeeding to involve nutritive sucking, which supports your baby’s nutrition, growth, and development. When your baby is actively feeding, you’ll notice them swallowing every few sucks, and their suck will feel firm and strong. They may take small breaks but will resume feeding shortly after.
As their stomach fills up, you may notice a change: the strength of their suck decreases, swallowing becomes less frequent, and you might feel their tongue lightly tickling the tip of your nipple. This is a sign that they are shifting from active eating to non-nutritive sucking.
Is Non-Nutritive Suckling Bad?
Absolutely not! Your baby may continue to breastfeed for reasons beyond just hunger, such as seeking closeness and comfort. Non-nutritive suckling can help calm your baby, promote sleep, aid in digestion, and even assist with pain management. However, it’s important to acknowledge that having your baby at the breast all day and night can be exhausting.
Remember: It’s perfectly okay to let your baby non-nutritively suckle if you are comfortable and enjoying those moments. Conversely, if they are no longer actively feeding, it’s also fine to gently take them off the breast. Every nursing session is unique, and you and your baby will know what feels right.
Have More Questions?
If you have any questions about breastfeeding, we are here to support you! Don’t hesitate to contact our lactation team. You can also join our free Baby Bistro breastfeeding support group which meets on Tuesdays 9am-12pm. Click here for our full event calendar. We are here to help you as you navigate your breastfeeding journey!
About the Author
Martha Gooldy Garcia, RD, IBCLC
Martha Gooldy Garcia, Registered Dietitian and International Board Certified Lactation Consultant, has been with the Youth Clinic since 2007. She brings over 30 years experience in the field of pediatric nutrition and breastfeeding support.
Prior to joining the Youth Clinic, Martha worked with the Women, Infants and Children Program for 23 years. During that time, she also consulted with various agencies to provide in-home nutrition support to children 0 – 21 with special medical needs and developmental challenges.
Outside of work, Martha enjoys cooking and eating, reading, snowboarding, and spending time with her family. Her favorite part about working with her patients is seeing the joy in parents’ faces as they look at their newborns, and helping kids and families get excited about trying new foods and healthy eating. She loves building relationships with the kids and families through the years.
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