Is your little one often fiddling with your other breast while nursing? This behavior, known as twiddling, is fairly common among nursing babies. In this post, we’ll dive into the reasons behind this habit and discuss strategies for managing it, particularly if it’s causing discomfort.
Why Do Babies Twiddle While Nursing?
Many parents often ask, “Why does my baby twiddle while nursing?” To understand this behavior, we need to consider a few factors related to a baby’s development and breastfeeding.
The Need for Comfort and Stimulation
Babies twiddle for various reasons. Primarily, they do it for comfort and stimulation. By twiddling the other nipple, babies stimulate the milk flow, making it easier for them to nurse. Moreover, this habit can also be a source of comfort and self-soothing, much like thumb sucking.
The Exploration Factor
Babies are naturally curious and like to explore their surroundings, including their mother’s body. Thus, twiddling can be a part of this exploration. It’s a tactile way for them to understand their environment.
While twiddling can benefit your milk supply, it can also be uncomfortable. If you’re wondering how to discourage this behavior, here are some suggestions:
How to Stop Twiddling While Breastfeeding
While twiddling is normal behavior, it can sometimes cause discomfort for nursing mothers. If you’re looking to manage your baby’s twiddling, here are some strategies:
- Provide a distraction: Offer your baby a toy or a blanket to hold while nursing, which can distract them from twiddling.
- Gentle intervention: If your baby starts to twiddle, you can gently hold their hand or move it away.
- Use a nursing necklace: A nursing necklace, also known as a breastfeeding necklace, gives your baby something else to play with during nursing sessions.
- Cover the other breast: Wearing a nursing top or bra that covers the other nipple can help deter your baby from twiddling.
Remember, it’s essential to respond to your baby’s twiddling habit with patience and understanding. It’s a normal part of their development and not something they do to cause discomfort. With time and gentle guidance, most babies will eventually outgrow this habit.
The Mystery of Twiddling During Breastfeeding
Many breastfeeding moms have asked, “Is it normal for babies to twiddle while breastfeeding?” The answer is yes! Here’s what you need to know.
What is Twiddling, and Why Do Babies Do It?
Twiddling involves your baby fiddling with your other breast while nursing from one. This behavior can increase your milk supply by stimulating the release of prolactin, a hormone that promotes milk production. It’s also a way for babies to self-soothe and engage in tactile exploration.
Other Breastfeeding Behaviors Explained
In addition to twiddling, there are several other breastfeeding behaviors that may leave you scratching your head.
Squirmy, Thrashing, and Frantic Behavior
If your baby is thrashing, pulling, or acting frantic while breastfeeding, there could be several reasons. Overactive letdown, teething, or distraction could cause these behaviors. If they persist, it’s best to consult a lactation consultant or a pediatrician.
The Latching and Unlatching Puzzle
A deeper latch can help your baby get more milk and make breastfeeding more comfortable for you. If your baby unlatches during letdown or frequently unlatches and relatches, it might be due to a strong milk flow or nipple discomfort. A lactation consultant can provide personalized advice.
Baby’s Interactions During Breastfeeding
You may also notice your baby petting you or playing with their hands while breastfeeding. These are signs of bonding and exploration. Similarly, behaviors like massaging the breast can stimulate milk flow and indicate your baby’s satisfaction.
Twiddling Beyond Breastfeeding
The twiddling habit can extend beyond the breastfeeding phase. Some toddlers continue to twiddle during bedtime or when they need comfort, even after being weaned.
Baby Behavior While Sleeping or Beyond Breastfeeding
Twiddling can be a soothing mechanism for babies, and they may do this as they fall asleep. If your weaned toddler continues to twiddle, it’s usually just a way for them to self-soothe.
Twiddle Toys and Other Solutions
Introducing a ‘twiddle toy’ or any soft, safe object for your baby to manipulate can help curb twiddling during breastfeeding. Some parents find that these toys are a good solution for managing this behavior.
Is Twiddling Affecting Your Baby’s Sleep?
Some babies might continue their twiddling habit even when they’re not nursing, potentially during their sleep. If your baby is not sleeping well due to this, or if twiddling is causing you discomfort that interrupts your sleep, it may be time to find a solution.
How SleepBaby.org Can Help
SleepBaby.org offers effective strategies to improve your baby’s sleep, including managing habits like twiddling that might disrupt their (or your) rest. The techniques they provide can gently guide your baby towards better sleep habits, helping the whole family get the rest they need.
What viewers said10 comments · 4 replies+
Archived comments from the original Baby Sleep Miracle presentation. Not independently verified by SleepBaby.org; individual experiences vary.
Thank you so much for this video! I had no idea about the dangers of baby swings :O
Hi Mary-Ann. I have a question: Is method in any way similar to the ones recommended by Dr Bucknam, Dr. Weissbluth or Dr. Karp? We tried those but none of them help.
Hi Regina, thank you for your question. The short answer is no. The techniques I share in my guide are based on newest scientific research and this is why I have never seen any approach similar to the one I recommend.
This method really works! I tried it on my son Jesus and after just one week he went from waking up more than 5 times a night to waking up just once or twice. You are a lifesaver, Mary-Ann!
I'm truly impressed with how much information you share in your video. And all for free! I can feel that you truly care about mothers like myself, and that's hard to find these days. I have recommended your site to several of my friends already.
Mary-Ann, our child suffers from autism. Is your approach still suited?
Chloe, I made sure my method can be used with any child, even babies who are special like yours. Please note that I'm not a doctor and that I always advice to consult with your physician because nothing is more important than the safety and well-being of your love.
Hallo Mary-Ann, I'm from Germany. Do you have your guide in German?
Hello Heide, we do! Normally you should already see our video in German. If not, please contact our support so they can guide you
Thenk you for your answer, Mary-Ann!
I just completed your approach and I have to say, it worked almost too well. Yes, it took a bit of getting used to with your bedtime routine but the difference is huge. My son George used to take 1 hours to go down and now he's firmly asleep in no more than 10 minutes! You're the best!
It seems I'm the only man watching this video, lol! What you shared about the 'emotional backpack' made immediate sense to me and I can't wait to help my little girl Mila to unpack it!
Hey there, just discovered your site and this really sounds different. Just wanted to say thanks for sharing :)
For everyone who's still thinking about getting Mary-Ann's guide I want to advise you to go ahead. I wasn't sure myself but now I'm so thankful I invested in this program. It made a huge difference in our life as a family and yes, my baby girl does sleep through the night now.