Introduction
For many new parents, understanding the difference between when a baby is eating or just comfort nursing can be difficult. Comfort nursing is the term used to describe a baby’s need to suck for reasons other than hunger. It can be done with a pacifier, thumb, or even a finger. Generally speaking, it is a way for babies to soothe themselves and feel secure.
This article will help provide parents with the tools needed to determine whether their baby is eating or comfort nursing. It will discuss the differences in suckling pattern, hunger cues, diaper changes, noises, duration of nursing session, and behavior afterwards.
Observing Baby’s Suckling Pattern
The most important difference between eating and comfort nursing is the type of suckling pattern. When a baby is truly hungry, they will typically make longer, deeper sucks that are more rhythmic and consistent. On the other hand, when a baby is comfort nursing, the sucks tend to be shorter and shallower.
Short, Shallow Sucks
When a baby is comfort nursing, the sucks tend to be short and shallow. They may be sucking for minutes at a time without taking any milk from the breast. This can cause frustration for the mother, as she may feel like her baby is not getting enough milk.
Longer, Deeper Sucks
Conversely, when a baby is truly hungry, they will generally take longer and deeper sucks. These sucks are more rhythmic and consistent. The baby will likely take several swallows of milk before pausing and then beginning again. This type of suckling pattern is a definite sign that the baby is hungry and looking for nourishment.
Check for Hunger Cues
Another way to tell if a baby is eating or comfort nursing is to look for hunger cues. These are signs that the baby is ready to feed. If the baby is displaying these cues, then it is likely that they are hungry and in need of nourishment.
Rooting
One of the most common hunger cues is rooting. This is when the baby turns their head from side to side, searching for something to latch onto. If the baby is displaying this behavior, then it is likely that they are looking for food.
Smacking Lips
Another hunger cue is smacking lips. Babies often do this when they are anticipating food. If your baby is smacking their lips while nursing, then it is likely that they are hungry and looking for nourishment.
Look at Diaper
Another way to tell if a baby is eating or comfort nursing is to look at their diaper. If your baby has a wet or soiled diaper after a nursing session, then it is likely that they were actually eating. A dry diaper after a nursing session is usually a sign that the baby was comfort nursing.
Listen to Baby
When a baby is truly eating, they will usually make noises while they are sucking. These noises may sound like humming or murmuring. If you hear your baby making these noises during a nursing session, then it is likely that they are actually eating.
Pay Attention to Duration of Nursing Session
The duration of a nursing session can also be an indication of whether a baby is eating or comfort nursing. When a baby is truly eating, the nursing session will typically last longer than when they are just comfort nursing.
A study conducted by the University of Colorado Denver found that “babies who are solely comfort nursing may nurse for 5-10 minutes, while babies who are actively eating may nurse for 15-20 minutes or even longer.” This suggests that the length of the nursing session can be a good indicator of whether a baby is eating or just comfort nursing.
Notice Behavior Afterwards
Finally, the behavior of the baby after a nursing session can be an indication of whether they were eating or just comfort nursing. If the baby is content after a nursing session, then it is likely that they were just comfort nursing. However, if the baby is still fussy or seems hungry, then it is likely that they were actually eating.
Conclusion
In summary, determining whether a baby is eating or comfort nursing can be tricky. However, by observing the baby’s suckling pattern, checking for hunger cues, looking at the diaper, listening for noises, paying attention to the duration of the nursing session, and noticing the baby’s behavior afterwards, parents can get a better idea of whether their baby is truly eating or just comfort nursing.
If you are still unsure, there are resources available to help. Speak to your pediatrician or a lactation consultant if you have any questions or concerns.
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