4 mo sucks fingers - is it ok? - Page 2

[Knitting Mama]

Is there actually a problem with her weight gain and diaper output, OP? If there isn't, I really don't think you have anything to worry about-- she's getting enough milk and she knows how to self-soothe.

[Bebe's Mom]

Saw this and I just wanted to add that my DD sucked on her hands until she was around 6 months old and then abruptly gave up. She doesn't suck her thumb or anything now.

[Parker'smommy]

IF it isn't a problem, I'd let it continue.

But, if it's a problem, like it is for me, I'd try to limit the non- breast sucking.

My dd started finger sucking in the last few weeks at 4 1/2 months old. She's been a cranky, colicky baby who wouldn't take a pacifier. And she has been unsuccesfully trying to suck her fingers since about 1 month old. She just couldn't coordinate it well. I also have an Over active letdown. Now, I thought that she had gotten used to it and things were fine. But when she started this finger sucking 2 weeks ago she has spent MUCH less time at the breast. SHe will nurse for about 3 min., come off coughing because of letdown and promptly stick her fingers in her mouth. I try and pull them out, and she fusses. Sometimes I win, sometimes she does. But it's messing with my supply. Last night my left side got totally engorged. I haven't EVER gotten engorged...not even when my milk came in. Her poop is getting green...again...hindmilk/foremilk inbalance. I'm totally frustrated. But, I'm trying to go with it the best I can. She is happier now that she has found her fingers...SO MUCH HAPPIER....she's a new baby. We'll see. I'm going to keep a close eye on her weight gain. She's a peanut....only 14 lbs 10 oz at almost 5 months old. She is in the 50th percentile, so she's fine and she's gaining...for now. But I have to be ever so mindful. THe thing is...you can't force a baby to nurse...you just can't...I've tried....<sigh>

[karen1968]

My mom has asked me to discourage the habit as it would mean less time at the breast and therefore less milk. Is there any merit to this? Also, does it lead to earlier weaning?

Well, as I said before, it didn't hinder my son's weight gain AT ALL. He ate plenty! And he nursed until 2y3m, when *I* was done (we were ready to start trying for #2, and I wanted my old body to have a bit of a break).

But then, there is Heather's DD, who *is* finding the finger sucking to interfere with the ingestion of breast milk. So I think you just have to see how it is affecting your own baby. How is diaper output? Weight gain? If the finger sucking has only impacted comfort nursing, then I don't thing you have anything to worry about.

My best advice is to follow your OWN instinct - how do YOU feel it is impacting the nursing relationship and your baby's health? Your mom really has no input...YOU are the mama, YOU know your baby and your relationship best.