Why is nursing the only way to calm a baby?

Understanding Why Nursing Calms Babies
Nursing is often seen as the primary method to soothe a crying baby, and this phenomenon can be attributed to a combination of biological, psychological, and sensory factors. While there are various ways to comfort an infant, nursing uniquely addresses several of their innate needs.
Biological Instincts and Comfort Nursing
At the core of nursing’s calming effect is the concept of comfort nursing. This behavior occurs when a baby seeks to nurse not solely for nutrition but for comfort and security. Infants have a natural instinct to suck, which is soothing and can help regulate their emotions. When a baby is upset, nursing provides a familiar and comforting experience that can quickly alleviate distress. This instinctual behavior is not just about hunger; it also fulfills a deep-seated need for closeness and reassurance.
Sensory Stimulation and Connection
Nursing engages multiple senses, creating a holistic calming experience. The warmth of the mother’s body, the rhythmic sound of her heartbeat, and the familiar scent of her skin all contribute to a soothing environment. This sensory stimulation is crucial for infants, who are still developing their ability to self-soothe. The act of nursing can also trigger the release of hormones such as oxytocin in both the mother and the baby, promoting feelings of bonding and relaxation.
The Role of Breastfeeding in Emotional Regulation
Breastfeeding is not just about physical nourishment; itThe Calming Power of Nursing
Nursing is often the most effective way to calm a baby for several key reasons:
Soothing Touch: When a baby nurses, they experience the comforting touch and physical closeness of their mother or caregiver. This skin-to-skin contact triggers the release of oxytocin, a hormone that promotes feelings of calm and connection.
Familiar Sensations: Nursing allows a baby to experience the familiar sensations of sucking, swallowing, and the warmth of their caregiver’s body. These familiar stimuli help soothe and relax the baby.
Nutritional Comfort: Breastmilk contains natural compounds that can have a calming effect on a baby, such as tryptophan, which helps promote sleep and relaxation. The act of nursing also provides nutritional comfort to satisfy a baby’s hunger.
Communication and Bonding: Nursing facilitates communication and bonding between the baby and caregiver. The eye contact, gentle rocking, and attentive care help the baby feel secure and comforted.
Sensory Stimulation: Nursing engages multiple senses – touch, smell, taste, and sound. This multisensory experience can have a powerful calming effect on a distressed baby.
In essence, nursing taps into a baby’s highest developed senses and needs, providing a comprehensive sensory experience that soothes and comforts them like no other method can. The physical closeness, familiar sensations, nutritional benefits, and bonding opportunity make nursing the go-to solution for calming a fussy or upset baby.

Why do I feel so happy when I breastfeed?

When a mother or birthing person breastfeeds/chestfeeds, they release oxytocin, a hormone that soothes anxieties and helps induce a unique emotional connection to their newborn baby.

Can only soothe baby by nursing?

Comfort nursing is totally normal at this stage of development. Whether you want to also introduce a paci is up to you, but be prepared your baby my not take it, so it still helps to know this is normal behaviour and you’re not doing anything wrong.

Why are babies so comforted by breastfeeding?

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.

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.

How to soothe a baby to sleep without nursing?

The routine could consist of:

1. having a bath.
2. changing into night clothes and a fresh nappy.
3. putting them to bed.
4. reading a bedtime story (see more in Baby and toddler play ideas)
5. dimming the lights in the room to create a calm atmosphere.
6. giving a goodnight kiss and cuddle.

Do babies grow out of comfort nursing?

Usually, babies will grow out of comfort nursing as they reach the toddler stage.

What is the witching hour for breastfeeding?

This tricky time of day often happens between 5 pm and midnight. This is often when you are most tired, and not at your best. Younger babies may want to cluster feed or they may refuse the breast altogether. Many children, regardless of age, may not want to go to sleep even when they are tired!

Why is breastfeeding so calming?

Breastfeeding yields a tranquilizing influence that benefits both the mother and the child, leading to stress reduction through a range of mechanisms. In the mother’s case, breastfeeding initiates the release of oxytocin, a hormone that counteracts the impact of stress hormones such as cortisol.

Why is my boob the only thing that calms my baby?

Breastfeeding – more than just milk
Breastfeeding provides babies with much more than just milk. A frazzled baby seeks the breast because the rhythm of sucking, the closeness and security of being held, and the feel and smell of their mother’s body help them to feel safe and calm.

Are breastfed babies more attached to mom?

Breastfeeding and mother–infant attachment
Moreover, in a prospective longitudinal study of 675 mother–infant dyads, increased duration of breastfeeding was associated with maternal sensitive responsiveness, increased attachment security, and decreased attachment disorganization when infants were 14 months of age [71].