Does your baby play and touch the nipple that is free while sucking the other? It is a behavior popularly known as “tuning” (the child moves the nipple as if tuning a radio), and although it is completely normal and natural, it can be uncomfortable for some mothers.
We explain why the baby “synories” the nipple while breastfeeding and what you can do if this habit is annoying to you.
“Syntoning” stimulates the ejection reflex
The ejection reflex of milk is an automatic response that occurs when the baby is sucking from his mother’s breast. In this way, through the stimulation that produces the suction, the milk begins to flow through the ducts.
The ejection reflex is especially pronounced during the first weeks of the baby’s life, and even in some cases it is activated without having to breastfeed, simply by looking at the baby, smelling it, touching it or listening to him cry. And behind this reflex is oxytocin or love hormone.
In general, over time the ejection reflex will soften, so the milk will take a few minutes to start coming out since the baby begins to stimulate the nipple through suction.
The “syntonization” of the nipple is an instinctive and natural behavior of the baby that consists of twisting, caressing, touching or squeezing the nipple that is free while breastfeeding the other. In this way, the baby will be stimulating the ejection reflex of the other breast in a manual way, so that when changing breast the milk flows quickly from the first moment and does not have to make efforts to remove it.
Although it is usually a fairly common practice from the age of eight months, not all babies “tune” the nipple, and if they do, it does not have to be a constant practice.
What can you do if it bothers you?
Many mothers are annoyed that their babies “syno to” the nipple, especially as they grow, because they are stronger and can be annoying. In addition, we cannot forget that the nipple is a particularly sensitive area, so pinching or twisting it can cause pain and even create agitation of breastfeeding.
If your baby has begun to “tun” the nipple while breastfeeding, it is recommended that you regain the situation as soon as possible, otherwise it could become a lasting habit (some babies continue to “tuning” even after weaning).
Edulacta recommends carrying out the following actions:
– If your child is older, you can explain that what he does is annoying to you and ask him to stop doing it.
– Remove your hand from the nipple and offer it instead a breastfeeding collar, a pacifier or any other toy that you can manipulate while you are sucking. We can also distract her attention by taking her hand, caressing her, kissing her or bringing her to our lips.
– In other cases, it is enough to cover the free nipple so that the baby cannot access it manually.
Keeping the baby’s nails well cut will also help prevent unwanted wounds or scratches.
Remember that your baby’s intention is not to hurt you.
As we have been saying, the reflection of “syntonization” is something completely natural and is part of the breastfeeding process.
Remember that the mother’s breast is not only a source of food for your baby, but also gives him calm, security and love. Therefore, many babies feel the need to touch, play with or be in contact with the nipple that is free while they are sucking.
In no case, your little one’s intention is to hurt or annoy you. But if you don’t like me to do it, redirect the situation in a delicate and loving way to continue enjoying your breastfeeding.
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