My daughter is 11 Months old and still breastfeeds. How can I keep her from using me as a pacifier?

Question

She has cancer and is going through chemo. I want to comfort her but also keep my sanity. She is always attached to me by mouth. I am trying to keep everything as stable as possible for her. But on the other hand she is going to mess my milk up and I can not walk around in public like this.

Answer 1

My son used my as a pacifier for 10 months.... and it drove me nuts, but didn't affect my milk supply.

I'd say, with your daughter going through what she is going through, just let her get that small bit of comfort. Before you know it, she won't be breastfeeding anymore, and she'll be so independent that you'll wish for a small amount of those days back. You're doing good by wanting to comfort her. You can try to give her pacifiers when she starts to pacify using you, or attempt to distract her in some way, but it might not help... it didn't help with my son, I just had to deal with it.

Good luck, and I hope that everything works out the way that you want it to.

Answer 2

Pacifier, bottled milk, hug her when she needs comfort. If she's hungry, feed her, but I wouldn't give her your breast constantly if it is just for comfort. You will be sore.
If you are pregnant again (is that what you meant by "mess up my milk"?), then you want to wean her & save the colostrum for the new baby. Also, nursing her will take a lot out of you if you are growing a new baby. Use your body for the new one & give her comfort in other ways.

Answer 3

I'm not sure what you mean by 'she is going to mess my milk up'??

Comfort nursing is very common, particularly, I'd think, when going through something like chemo.

If you're concerned about her wanting to nurse in public, carrying her in a sling might help. I carried my daughter in a wrap-style sling, and she was often latched on for comfort as I walked around in public.

Answer 4

Buy a real pacifier.