| |
by Tanya
Krueger
Babies adopt many different breastfeeding
styles in the course of their nursing period. I
have identified some of the more common styles you will encounter
as you breastfeed your baby.
Homer Simpson, a.k.a No talk, must eat
This baby attacks the nipple and sucks voraciously, assuming the
"I am starving" body language. This
style may include grunting, screaming, moaning or
other noises that indicate the milk is not coming fast enough to
satisfy him. Also, baby may paddle legs and pump
arms either in frustration or in an attempt to
get milk to come faster! When milk does let down baby will gulp his food and avoid any socialization as he is
completely focuses on getting his meal.
|
Cheryl Mercer nurses four-month-old Trenton |
Gourmet
This baby approaches the breast like the food editor of your local newspaper. He often reclines in a comfortable position
and nurses slowly, savoring every swallow. He
may also include a great deal of lip smacking, and
latch on over and over again as though he can not tear himself away
from such a delicious meal.
Social Butterfly
This baby would like to spend more time socializing then eating. He
will stare up into Mom's face, smile around the
nipple, and if encouraged - latch off the
breast and begin a conversation by cooing and gurgling.
This style is difficult to ignore and mother may find a 10 minute breastfeeding session is extended to half an hour as
baby flirts shamelessly and eats very little.
Sampler
No thanks, I'm not hungry is this baby's style. He latches on, he
latches off, he latches on, he latches off ad infinitum. Although he
is adopting a grazing style he manages to empty
an entire breast. Some Moms will experience the
same phenomenon with a pint of Ben & Jerry's.
|
Ryan Scott Mayers, 8 months old, nurses in his favorite
"standing" position. |
Acrobat
As baby gets older and more mobile he may adopt the acrobat style.
This involves complex gymnastic positions in
which to nurse. Some positions may involve
standing on their heads, crouching, and standing up while nursing. Mom may find her patience sorely tested with this
style.
Playful
With this style baby uses the breast as a toy. For example: he may
latch on and suck until the milk lets down at
which point he will pull off so the milk will
spray on his face and clothing which is vastly entertaining; or baby may latch on and suck then begin to pull his head
away while still maintaining suction resulting
in a grossly elongated nipple which snaps back with
the G3 force when baby releases. Assorted variations on this style abound and are too numerous to list.
Sleeping Pill
This style involves using the breast as a sleep aid. Often baby will
want to latch on only to fall asleep within
minutes, the breast containing some form of a
sleeping pill. This is a very popular style as babies often adopt it 3 or 4 times a day in conjunction with naps and bed time.
|
|
|
|
