Breastfeeding Support Group

I think all breastfeeding mothers feel this way at first. We are a human pacifier. To be honest though, it's part of the reason I introduced Eliza to a pacifier. I love nursing, but could tell her need to suck was greater than my ability to always give her a breast (especially once I went back to work and knew she wasn't sucking for food). I'm not suggesting you introduce a pacifier, I'm just saying what worked for me. I also used my finger to let her suck on when she was little and that helped too.

You can replace boob with finger or a paci when you notice nibbling. You can also just remove the boob and if she's sleeping and doesn't wake up from this (my son never did) then all is well. You get a little bit of freedom and she's still sleeping happily. You will notice that she will continue to make sucking motions in sleep even without anything in her mouth - that is so cute!

That's also when I introduced a paci! My son sucked forever, and my breasts got sore! And that way my hubby could hold him for a while and give me a break! We never had any nipple confusion. But my LO won't take a NUK. I had to try several to find one he liked. It's totally up to you, but I think it's the only way I kept my sanity! Lol just remember it does get easier. My son is almost 10 months and I'm lucky if I can get him to sit still long enough to nurse these days!

I always nurse to sleep (5.5month old) and can tell when it stops being food and starts being "sleep-sucking". I can usually just de-latch him by sticking my finger in the side of his mouth and he stays asleep. Exactly the same as kaja2008 said.
We bought a pacifier but have never used it - just didn't seem necessary and would be one extra thing to clean and keep track of!
I'm a bit worried about how I'll get him to sleep after he's weaned but I guess that's a way off yet...

yep.... I am a human paci! And my LO is 4 months! Usually it just takes a few minutes and then he asleep enough to slide out of his mouth. then I try and give him another 5 minutes before I move him into bed!

LOL I felt that way too at first :) Now, when Emily falls asleep and starts "nibbling", I quickly unlatch her and get her pacifier in right away....otherwise she gets quite cranky if she can't suck :) Once she has the pacifier, she drifts back to sleep and usually stays that way. Babies just like to suck all the time, whether it's for nutrition or just something to do.....and it's impossible to keep them on the boob all day!! Personally it's made my life so much easier b/c she gets to suck and I'm no longer a human pacifer!!

There is nothing wrong with u being a human paci, unless it bothers you. Babies need to suck. There is a reason why in some countries, pacifiers are called "dummies"....because the breast is the real thing!

As suggested, just unlatch her if you want to get her off. TO keep her actively bf, try to do breast compressions, to keep the milk flowing.

I really do not see any reason to introduce a paci. I can tell you I did with my first one, only because I did not know any better Pacis can harbour bacteria, cause dental decay, orthodontic problems, delayed speech, and so forth, and IMO' should be avoided unless absolutely essential..ditto for bottles for the same reasons.

My 2nd and 3rd essentially did not have any pacis...they refused to take them, since they got their fill of the suck reflex, as I made sure to bf on demand. (The exception to this being when #3 was hospitalised for 4 mths after birth.)

I also had a hard time breaking #1 of the paci, but did it around 12 mths. I think you are doing just fine! ANd remember that they say that pcis caan interfere with bf, because sometiems, baby can content itself sucking on a paci when instead it should be bf, and eating.

LOL! Love that term Human Paci! Just got put him to sleep an hour ago and that was my same feeling! It's so cute to watch him! but when I'm tired or have lots to do, It's not so fun. He also spits up a lot!! It even comes through his nose. His doctor (she's a chiroprator) doesn't use paci's on her kids but suggest he use one. Some babes just like to comfort suck. It's also okay to let them cry just a bit so they learn how to comfort themsleves in their own environment. I've let my little guy cry it out a few times and now he learned to talk to himself (very cute to listen to) and he's discovered his fist.
I bought an organic natural rubber paci, but lost it within 4hours!!