I agree with the mums who say this is more likely a comfort need.

I clearly remember my sister in law and a friend of mine said the same thing about their children . I think it is more of security thing , it is like wanting to hold a teddy bear. They were also told that breast milk is more digestable than formula milk so they great hungry easily . It really doesn’t help mothers hearing things like this and while mine was formula fed, my kids did sleep very well with a routine and the milk satisfied them till next feed .

Breast feeding isn’t just a food source fir babies. It’s a closeness, bonding, soothing experience. They feel,close and calm to mum. Maybe he’s just looking for some comfort and cuddles?

I wonder if he is rooting for your breast as a comfort or habitual behaviour rather than hunger? When he is upset, do you put him on the breast? Does he go to sleep on the breast? Does he have a routine? You may have to define the breast as food only.

He just wants to use it to relax its a comfort thing for him as its all he have ever know to use to settle. My oldest son was the same. My following kids didnt do it so much as i didnt give in so quick to them wanting to use it as a way to relax.

I exclusively breastfed.. I fed on demand! Whenever they needed it for food, thirst, comfort, etc.. I would just feed them. It is very normal really..

I think it’s normal. That’s what they have known for their whole lives and it’s like giving up any comforter they have whether it be a dummy,blankie or teddy.

Both my boys was like this but also took the bottle during the day only.
But once 1 feed them more solid foods and said “no” later or we going to bed now and followed it through they seemed to want it less.
It is hard as you want to give them the best of all you have but if they learn they can get everything they want now they will pick the habit up for a long time.
It may be a bit hard for about 3-4 days as you only give the boob to them at the right feed times but they will learn. My boys drank from sipper cups once they was 10 months old as I drued out of milk and never had a night bottle as refused the bottle but didn’t seemed to bother them.
Good luck.

What I find interesting is that most MoMs who have replied have had this issue with their boys. Perhaps they’re just destined to be boob men??

I breastfed my son till he was 2 years 9 months as he just didn’t want to give it up.
I also noticed my son did feed just for comfort to.

all my kids did that but it was only because they could smell breast. milk and sometimes they would do that and they would only play. around and not drink and play with your nipple…. i weened my kids off the breast milk by offering them a bottle and if they wouldn’t drink the bottle i would put that bottle away and try again 10. 15 minutes later till they realised that they are drinking from a bottle… Good luck on your little one we all know what it’s like

My eldest was what I called a boobie baby he was there 24/7,I found it was mainly a comfort thing, he wouldn’t take a bottle I found it so hard when I tried to wean him, it took a lot of persisting, I tried all the fancy bottles ,sippy cups they didn’t work , in the end it was like a cheap happy baby bottle and teat he took to

I agree with the other Mums – I think he is after comfort. Breasts are soft and squishy and comforting. I don’t think there is anything sinister in it for him it’s just his way of getting comfort – like some kids do with a dummy. Something you may want to try is giving him a comforter that has your smell. I had a soft face washer for my son which I slept with and then gave to him – it had my scent so he kept it close.

I’d assume its more of a comfort thing then actually still being hungry. Maybe its just his way of communication to let you know he wants to be closer to you. Do you babywear? Dont stress over it, bubs will adapt and wein off in his own time

i FEEL IT IS A COMFORT THING, YOUR BREAST PROVIDED NOURISHMENT AND ALSO WARMTH,SAFETY AND SOFT.mAYBE TRY GIVING BOTTLE WITH SOMETHING SOFT AND CUDDLE SUPPORTING IT OVER YOUR BREAST! yOU DID NOT SAY AGE OF BABY BUT MY FRIEND HAD TINS AD THEY DRANK FROM A CUP AT 8 MONTHS, TOTALLY DIFFERENT SOURCE THAN BREAST OR BOTTLE. HOPE THIS HELPS AND DO NOT WORRY WHAT OTHERS THINK OR SAY IT IS YOU AND YOUR BABY

Thanks ladies

I really feel for you, this must feel very awkward in public but I’m sure people understand. Good luck finding your answer

My youngest needed to attach herself to settle for night sleeps. I guess the biggest thing is you make the decision and if you have tried other things to help and they are not working them maybe you need to just see where this goes. It maybe that he is having a growth spurt and just needs a little extra and that’s why he is seeking them out. If he is doing it in public maybe he feels more secure if he is physically attached to you. Wish you and your little one all the best and don’t stress

My son was very much the same. He’s now 2 1/2 and I’m still feeding him at night. It’s what babies were meant to do so just go with it and try not to worry.

My baby boy is the same, he uses me for comfort as well as for feeding. I’ve just learnt to go with it for now. He is also 7 months old next week and we have co-slept since he was a few days old, he just likes the boobs.