Why are babies soothed by breastfeeding?

The Soothing Power of Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is not just a means of nourishment; it serves as a profound source of comfort for infants. The act of breastfeeding provides a unique combination of physical, emotional, and biochemical benefits that help soothe babies, making it an essential practice for both mother and child.
Biochemical Benefits
One of the primary reasons babies are soothed by breastfeeding lies in the composition of breast milk itself. Breast milk contains a variety of substances that have calming effects on infants. For instance, it is rich in hormones and bioactive compounds that can promote relaxation and reduce stress in babies. These components help to create a sense of security and comfort, which is crucial for a newborn’s emotional development.
Physical Comfort and Bonding
The physical act of breastfeeding also plays a significant role in soothing babies. When a baby is latched onto the breast, they experience skin-to-skin contact with their mother, which is known to release oxytocin, often referred to as the “love hormone.” This hormone not only fosters a deep emotional bond between mother and child but also helps to calm the baby. The warmth and closeness of the mother’s body provide a comforting environment that mimics the womb, further enhancing the soothing experience.
Nutritional Security
Breastfeeding offers more than just emotional comfort; it provides all the nutritional needs of a baby during the first six months of life. This exclusive breastfeeding ensures that the baby receives adequate hydration and nutrition without the need for additional food or water. The assurance of having their nutritional needs met contributes to a baby’s overall sense of well-being and security, which can be particularly soothing during times of distress.
Comfort Nursing
Another aspect of breastfeeding that contributes to its soothing effects is the concept of comfort nursing. Many mothers instinctively allow their babies to nurse for comfort, not just for hunger. This practice, often misunderstood as overfeeding, is actually beneficial for the child. Comfort nursing helps to regulate the baby’s emotions, providing a sense of calm and reassurance during stressful moments. It allows babies to self-soothe, which is an important skill for emotional regulation as they grow.
Conclusion
In summary, the soothing effects of breastfeeding are multifaceted, encompassing biochemical, physical, and emotional dimensions. The combination of nourishing breast milk, the intimate bond formed during nursing, and the practice of comfort nursing all contribute to making breastfeeding a powerful tool for soothing infants. This natural process not only meets the baby’s nutritional needs but also fosters a deep connection between mother and child, laying the foundation for healthy emotional development.

Why is nursing the only way to calm a baby?

Calming an upset baby is a natural part of parenting, and breastfeeding is a natural way to do so. Sucking actually releases sleep inducing hormones, which can help babies establish their circadian rhythms.

Are breastfed babies more attached to mom?

According to studies, breastfeeding is the most powerful form of interaction between the mother and the infant. Due to the physical closeness, the baby is more close to the mother than to anyone else in the family. As per a few studies, breastfed mothers are closer to their babies as compared to bottle-fed mothers.

Why are breastfed babies calmer?

B: Oxytocin contained in human breastmilk and further released during breastfeeding through suckling, touch, and warmth facilitates socio-emotional functioning in the infant by enhancing positive tendencies (approach) and reducing negative tendencies (withdrawal and anxiety).

How do I stop my baby from comfort nursing?

A baby may just need a minute or two at the breast, more for comfort than for food. When the baby has had a minute or two, urge the child to stop and interest them in something else. Postpone breastfeeding sessions. Tell your baby that you’ll nurse later, such as after you finish preparing dinner.

Why do men love breastfeeding?

For other men, seeing the mother-child dyad enjoying each other may be sexually exciting. Leaking breasts may be a sexual “turn-on” just as they may be a sexual “turn-off” (Wilkerson & Bing, 1988). Other men may feel that lactating breasts are not an erogenous zone and are to be avoided at all costs.

Why does my baby use my breast as a pacifier?

Nursing frequently and using the breast as a pacifier are what builds a good milk supply and helps you and your baby develop a special closeness during the period immediately after your baby’s birth. Use the fact that you are exclusively nursing during the first few weeks to get more rest.

Why do babies like breastfeeding so much?

Babies want breast milk because they are literally biologically designed to need it – AND the closeness involved, being at the breast with mom, hearing your heartbeat and cuddling. Breast milk is the best thing you can give your baby, and they should be fed with it if possible.

What age do babies stop comfort nursing?

Generally speaking, comfort nursing will last throughout the whole infant stage. They will seek closeness to their mom until they grow out of milk and start preferring solids.

Why are babies so comforted by nursing?

They are comforted by the warmth, smell, delicious milk and reassuring sound of your heartbeat. Breastfeeding offers a lot of security too, whether your baby is feeling lonely, frightened, sad, cross, or ill at ease with a new situation. In the early days, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by your baby’s need to nurse.

Are breastfed babies more clingy to mom?

Myth: Babies who have been breastfed are clingy.
All babies are different. Some are clingy and some are not, no matter how they are fed. Breastfeeding provides not only the best nutrition for infants, but is also important for their developing brain.