Why does my 10-month-old want to nurse more?

Question

Last month we had it down to 2 feedings per day -- and she could have skipped one of those. Now she seems to want to nurse several times in the day, and several times at night -- and it doesn't seem to be hunger or thirst, she doesn't want food or drink, she just seems to need the sucking. (Doesn't suck a finger or take a pacifier) She gets all wistful when she sees my breasts, which she never did before. Could she be not getting enough of some nutrient in the solid food I feed her? Is it normal for demand to increase with growth periods or something like that? Maybe she is feeling more insecure lately? I just wonder what you think the most likely explanation is, and if this is common. Thanks

Answer 1

Growth Spurt! She should still be getting her milk. At this age they still need it more then twice a day. My baby gets like this every 2 months or so where she nurses a whoe lot more. So no worries!

Answer 2

If she's not hungry, then chances are she's bored or she misses the contact. She is probably teething, as well. Your breasts are a different texture than her own finger or a pacifier, which is why she won't take those instead. She's definitely getting enough nutrients if you are feeding her baby foods for every meal. If you're worried, offer her extra food between meals and don't give in to her wanting nighttime feedings because her body doesn't physically need them--her little mind does! Make sure you give her lots of cuddles during the day. I'd suggest pumping and giving her a bottle with your milk as your next step toward weaning (since you seem to be weaning if she's already down to two feedings). Maybe put it in a sippy cup for her. She may not take them right away, but keep offering them. Also, make sure she's getting enough water throughout the day. Give her a sippy and let her go at it. This way she learns to use the sippy and she's getting enough to drink. Offer her your milk in a bottle or in a sippy when she's eating a meal. Good luck!

Answer 3

There are many reasons for older infants to increase nursing. Growth, comfort, nutrition, etc, etc. And really no one can tell you which is more common because toddlers can't say "Oh I am nursing more because I am hungry/sad/whatever"

I will say though that under a year you should really aim to get about 5 nursing sessions a day. Breastmilk is THE most important source of nutrition to one year and well beyond.

http://www.kellymom.com/bf/bfextended/toddlernursing.html#frequency
vHow often do toddlers nurse?
Nursing frequency for toddlers is usually pretty erratic and varies greatly from child to child. It's normal for toddlers to be interested in everything around them and, as a result, not as interested in nursing. At other times, baby will be so focused on the big changes within herself (developmentally), that she will want to spend lots of time at the breast to reconnect with mom and adjust to all the new skills in her life. Some children nurse often ("like a newborn" is a frequent comment that you hear from the moms of 12-15 month olds), some nurse only once or twice a day, and some nurse a few times a day on some days and frequently on others. No matter what the nursing pattern, average nursing frequency decreases gradually as baby gets older. Once or twice a day nursings can continue for months and even years, depending upon the child and mom.

Toddlers nurse for comfort, in addition to nutrition. Nursing can work wonders when baby is hurt, sad, upset (nursing is a great tantrum-tamer), or sick. Toddlers may also use nursing as a quick way of "checking in" and reconnecting with mom throughout the day.

Sometimes your toddler may go through phases of increased night nursing. Common reasons for increased night nursing in toddlers include teething, decreased nursing during the day because of distraction, developmental advances and reconnecting with mom.

It is typical for a toddler to nurse more often when away from home for a few days, or when there are other big changes in the typical day-to-day routine. To a toddler, nursing is warmth, comfort, reassurance... it's their "home away from home" that they tend to retreat to when things are unfamiliar or uncertain. Once you are back at home and settled in (or once your child has adjusted to the change, regardless of what it was), the increased nursing tends to fall by the wayside.

Answer 4

This sounds more like a security issue than a need for food issue. She's treating your breasts as her "blankie!" If you keep getting up to feed her at night then she will hold on to this habit longer. At this age she doesn't need food during the night and only a couple of nursing sessions during the day should be enough too. I think you are going to have to be tough and let her learn to comfort herself, she'll cry and it will be hard, but stick to your guns. Good Luck.

Answer 5

Tons of possible reasons -
growth spurt
teething
developmental advances she is about to make
just enjoying being close to mom
trying to increase your supply

It's all normal and it's great for her to be nursing that much. Good for you for going so long and for listening to her needs and letting her nurse more!

Answer 6

because the baby is hungry. but also because the baby still needs mother's love and attention.

Answer 7

your baby depens on you