breast as pacy

[kei-ke]

My daughter is 4 mos old (5 weeks preemie adj age) loves to breast feed but she also loves to use it as her pacy. I get confused as to when she's actually hungry and when she not. She's not a baby to ever nurse for 10, 15 or 20 mins. She latches on and might drink for 3-4 mins then I don't hear her swallowing anymore. She might still be slightly moving her mouth but more in a sucking a pacifier movement and I might see a bit of milk too depending on how full the breast was. I'm not convinced shes getting full because she will fall asleep and/or detach from the breast. Then she starts again rooting and grabbing at my breast again. I latch her back on and might repeat the same pattern or she just might not want to drink but just pacify herself. I have also noticed that even if she is hungry she would rather suck on my breast not getting any or much milk (i don't hear/see her actively feeding) rather than take a bottle. I have only had her exclusively on the breast for a week so she's no stranger to a bottle but she absolutely refuses to take it unless she's just been crying or I guess what she considers to be "starving to death." I'm sorry if this seems confusing to understand but I guess I'm asking if, how or when to linit her usuage of my breasts for other than eating and how I can get her to eat til she's more full rather than stay on and off them for hours at a time. In case you needed to know, shes about 9 lbs and has no weight or any other issues health wise.

[CherylParrott]

is she using a shield? my concern is that she's not eating enough at the breast. hanging out using you as a paci in of itself is not a concern, unless she's not actually eating enough and she's hanging out just to keep full.

[kei-ke]

she used to use the shield but now refuses that too. she loves the actual breast and has to almost be forced to be fed with another method. She still has wet pampers but when I know she has only snacked for a while I will feed her 2-3 oz of a bottle so I know she's full. I will always offer her the breast when she's motioning for it and she just easts when she wants. Another question is does she have to empty the breast a certain way for the milk to replenish itsself because I notice sometimes she sucks and i feel it in my other breast which leaks and other times i dont feel that sensation. Yes we have had latching on issues which we are resolving day by day.

[CherylParrott]

yes, if she doesn't stay latched long enough with good suck/swallow and not the paci suck she isn't emptying the breast or stimulating. so make sure she is eating and not hanging out. she is still learning. be sure to follow up closely over next few week to watch her weight. she sounds like a smart girl and is happy to finally be at the breast..just trying to figure it out.

[kei-ke]

ok i will thanks!!

[CherylParrott]

you are welcome!