Offering breast too often?

[Clairexx]

My baby isn't massively a cryer *touches wood*.. He winges and makes noises quite a lot but nothing too awful. Anytime he begins to cry I ALWAYS offer boob and he always takes it, even if he's only just had it. It works to settle him every time which of course is great, but I'm worried about the longer term affect of this. The few times I've been away from him I've expressed and left bottles which he drinks in about a minute but then continues to cry, presumably for my boob as nothing else will soothe him.. Even if theres no way he could still be hungry.
If its still him establishing my supply then that's fine, I guess I just need to know if I need to stop offering so often after a certain period of time? Xxxp

 

[SaraLouise]

I'm not sure Claire! I only offer boob if he is giving me classic signs, ie rooting, lip smacking ect. Otherwise I just do the usual nappy change, cuddles, playtime routine.

If he seems to be routine before the 2 hours, I will try & make him wait as long as possible (without him getting upset) as I want him to get in a bit of a routine.

But that's just me!

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[BunnyN]

My LO got a bad tummy ache if I fed her any closer together than 2hrs. When we mostly resolved her tummy issues through my diet she started using my boob for comfort more often. I let her becaue it comforts her and gets her to sleep easily. She tends to get over tired and resist sleep which results in a lot of loud screaming, since she has been using my boob to drop off life is much easier. I don't see any harm in it. Of course if you don't want to/can't be available all the time you might want to just feed for hunger. I think it has helped build my supply as actual feeding time has gotten much quicker but that could just be coincidence.

 

[Bonfire Bride]

I found this the other day and loved it. There ARE several things in there that I don't agree with but I thought it was a lovely blog.

http://www.lalecheleague.org/nb/law45com.html

I'm nursing on demand - which also means that I'm currently a human dummy for Oliver but I honestly do not feel that it is possible to spoil a newborn. I am enjoying every moment with him even though I can see my house falling apart around me. He is the only thing that matters at the moment, so if you're happy with nursing on demand then go for it. If he is taking your breast then he wants it - these newborns are amazing at knowing what they want and need. xxx

 

[clairem1980]

I mentioned this to my Hv as I felt I constantly offered boob when baby grizzled. She said that's what they are there for. Now my Lo is almost 4 months and feeds are spacing out and she really only grizzles if tired.

My other Hv said it's the ultimate comfort and reassuring for baby.

I'd keep doing what you are

 

[Clairexx]

Thanks ladies, as long as I'm not making a rod for my own back I'm happy to stay as I am xxx

 

[babybee]

Just to add I did that with my lo until very recently, at around 5 months she made it clear she wanted longer between feeds. So they do let you know, just follow your lo's lead and enjoy this closeness, it goes far too quickly!x

 

[Colourmeblue]

I'd say as long as ur happy for your lo to use your boob as a comforter then it's fine. If it bothers you, then maybe just offer if you're seeing classic signs of hunger. x

 

[Clairexx]

Thanks ladies. Saw the hv yesterday and asked her, she advised taking him off if he's just just sucking for comfort and he'll let me know if he's still hungry. I'll just carry on as I am then! Xxx