How do I Stop Baby From Using Breast as Soother?

How do I Stop Baby From Using Breast as Soother?

by Rochelle
(Toronto)

My son will only sleep with my breast in his mouth. He does not keep it in his mouth all night but when he wakes he wants it to fall back to sleep.

My pediatrician told me this will rot his teeth. We are currently sharing the bed and are unable to put his crib in another room as we are living with my husband's brother and his family now.

I really want to stop being and have him fall asleep on his own. (We don't mind sharing the bed with him.) He refuses a soother or a bottle. Any suggestions would be fantastic.
Thank-You.

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How do I Stop Baby From Using Breast as Soother?

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Aug 31, 2009
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Mommy Knows Best...Baby Lesson #1
by: Heather ;-)

Rochelle,

Unfortunately, for situations like this, the only way to train him not to require your breast is to train him not to require your breast.

This means some angry cries and long suffering parents. Breaking a baby's bad habit is hard work and not easy.

In my experience, cold turkey is best. If you refuse to put him on your breast for 10 minutes, and then give in, he learns that he needs to cry for 11 minutes before getting what he wants.

You are the parents, and you know what's best for him. Right now, it sounds like what's best for him is for this habit to go bye-bye.

I suggest offering the soother every few minutes of crying. Rocking, singing, massaging, these are all wonderful ways to communicate to him that you love him, but this habit is ending and he needs to accept your decision.

The first few nights will be AWFUL, but eventually (trust me) he will start adjusting and things will improve. You just have to outlast him! When dealing with these issues, I repeat to myself. I'm the mommy. I win. Period.

That's the best philosophy when dealing with babies/young children. As they get older, this will change. But for now, that easy line of "I know best" provides structure and actually gives them a sense of protection and well-being. (My social work background with young foster kids can attest to this!)

Hope this helps, good luck!

Heather ;-)

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Aug 31, 2009
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Submitted by: Heather ;-)

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Rochelle, Unfortunately, for situations like this, the only way to train him not to require your breast is to train him not to require your breast. This means some angry cries and long suffering parents. Breaking a baby's bad habit is hard work and not easy. In my experience, cold turkey is best. If you refuse to put him on your breast for 10 minutes, and then give in, he learns that he needs to cry for 11 minutes before getting what he wants. You are the parents, and you know what's best for him. Right now, it sounds like what's best for him is for this habit to go bye-bye. I suggest offering the soother every few minutes of crying. Rocking, singing, massaging, these are all wonderful ways to communicate to him that you love him, but this habit is ending and he needs to accept your decision. The first few nights will be AWFUL, but eventually (trust me) he will start adjusting and things will improve. You just have to outlast him! When dealing with these issues, I repeat to myself. I'm the mommy. I win. Period. That's the best philosophy when dealing with babies/young children. As they get older, this will change. But for now, that easy line of "I know best" provides structure and actually gives them a sense of protection and well-being. (My social work background with young foster kids can attest to this!) Hope this helps, good luck! Heather ;-)

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