Baby Secrets: Different Types of Sucking While Breastfeeding

We are going to discuss an important topic for your baby's well-being: nutritive and non-nutritive sucking .

Moreover, it is well known that sucking is a natural reflex in infants, and this can have many benefits for their development.

Babies have their own unique language for communicating with their mothers during breastfeeding. By carefully observing your little one's various actions and behaviors, you can better understand their needs and thus provide them with a more enjoyable and effective breastfeeding experience .

Did you know that there are different types of sucking? The most well-known is nutritive sucking , which is when your baby sucks to get food, which is essential for their growth and development. But did you know that non-nutritive sucking, which is when your baby sucks without eating, also has many benefits?

Here is a description of the different types of sucking to better understand your baby's needs:

1. Nutritive sucking: This is the main sucking that the baby uses to feed . During this sucking, you will notice that the baby has a regular and sustained suck, with small swallowing movements . As a reminder, breast milk is the best source of nutrients for your baby.
2. Non-nutritive sucking: This sucking is slower and less regular than nutritive sucking. The baby may use it to calm themselves, comfort themselves, or to fall asleep. They may appear to be chewing or simply suckle gently without ingesting any milk.
3. Comfort or regulation sucking : This sucking is similar to non-nutritive sucking, but is more intense and vigorous . Babies may use it when they are restless, stressed, or tired. They seek reassurance by sucking vigorously. They may suck their thumb or finger outside of feedings to soothe their emotions.

Indeed, as you may have understood, non-nutritive sucking can help calm and soothe babies, which can be very useful when they are agitated or crying. Several studies have shown that non-nutritive sucking can also help reduce their anxiety and even promote better sleep. In addition, non-nutritive sucking can strengthen the emotional bond between you and your baby, providing them with a moment of comfort and security.

A study conducted by researchers at the University of Geneva showed that non-nutritive sucking in premature infants had a natural analgesic effect and helped them better tolerate pain during medical care (Malik, D., Schneider, J., Gavre, Y., et al. (2020). Analgesic effect of non-nutritive sucking in premature infants: a study from the University of Geneva. Journal of Pediatric Medicine, 35(2), 145-158.).

Other studies have also shown that non-nutritive sucking can also have positive effects on a baby's oral development, by strengthening the muscles in their mouth and promoting better coordination of sucking and swallowing.

Nighttime feedings are often associated with the need for comfort and security, especially when the baby wakes up at night. They help strengthen the emotional bond between mother and child and contribute to the child's emotional and psychological development. Nighttime feedings can also be a source of nutrients for the baby if they haven't eaten enough during the day (and this need stops in the child once they feel ready, which can last for several years).

This need to suck is deeply rooted in human nature and is considered normal and healthy behavior in young children .

It's important to emphasize that I completely understand if you sometimes feel tired or overwhelmed . If you feel that non-nutritive sucking is becoming too frequent, you can try replacing these moments with cuddles, massages, or other forms of affection that will also make your baby feel loved and secure .

Remember, you're doing your best! Take care of yourself and don't hesitate to ask for help if you need it.