Looking for reassurance about comfort sucking

[Aunty E]

Teddy is mostly bottle fed now - he goes on the breast in the morning, and sometimes at night, but I don't really know how much milk I have in anymore. He's got a vile virus at the moment, running temps of up to 39.5, and it's really hard to get him to drink from a bottle or eat purees. At the weekend I put him to the breast for a few hours, even though I knew there wasn't really much in the way of milk, because it seemed to comfort him. My OH thought this was a bit weird I just wanted him to feel a bit better, and I'm sure a bit of milk was better than no milk right? I'm not sure how long I'll carry on BFing for given my milk supply is steadily dwindling, but when he's poorly it just seems mean to deny him the boob

 

[BattyNora]

Personally, even if you had nothing in the way of milk I think it's perfectly normal to use your breast as a comfort, especially when LO is ill. I give a dummy as a comfort but also offer my breast if she ever gets herself worked up even when I know she isn't hungry. I think it's totally normal and natural.

 

[sausages]

This is why boobies are magical! They are a wonderful comfort for our LO's when they're hurt or poorly, and if he didn't find it to be a comfort then he wouldn't have stayed on so long. It's not weird at all, but perfectly natural and your instincts were spot on to do it. My DH would have probably said the same as yours though.

 

[Celesse]

Boobs are designed to comfort babies. And babies know this. If it makes him feel safe and secure and eases his discomfort then why not feed him. Your body will know he isn;t feeling well and suppply him with the right kind of milk to make him feel better.

 

[Sadie79]

I'd have no problem doing this too xxx

 

[MissMamma]

when he's poorly a bit of boob is the best thing for him there will be all sorts of good antibodies etc in the milk that will help him feel better as well as the comfort of being close to mum

 

[Weezie123]

You've comforted me with a post where I said my baby was always on me and now I'm going to reassure you. As a mother you just follow your instincts and comfort your baby. It's perfectly normal and I think the most loving thing you can do.

 

[Aunty E]

Thanks for the reassuranc Turns out Teddy had a nasty ear infection (my first thought on Saturday, but the A and E doctor said he was fine). He's feeling rotten still, but is a happier baby today

 

[Weezie123]

Poor Teddy, glad he's feeling a bit better. Nursing on you was probably more comfortable as the bottle may have built up pressure in his ears.

 

[Super G]

I would do this. Even a little milk would have your antibodies to help him fight the virus and as you said, it was a comfort to him.