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Sucking, what is it for?
Suckling is a vital reflex for the newborn.
In the first hours after birth, babies have a great need for sucking. It is an essential reflex, that of the small mammal who wants to feed and stay alive! We don’t always notice it, but all newborns have this so-called “archaic” physiological sucking reflex. And even before being born: on ultrasound, we often see the fetus with the thumb in the mouth!
More or less intense according to the children.
This automatic movement lasts more or less and manifests itself with varying intensity depending on the child. Some people want to “nibble” the breast for hours, they suck the little finger that is offered to them at the edge of the lips, they immediately find their thumb: a sign that for these newborns, this physiological need is intense and can occur. ‘observe until they are 3 or 4 months old. To best satisfy your little one, breastfeeding or bottle feeding should last between 10 and 20 minutes at first. And between these nourishing feedings, it is not uncommon to see the baby suckling in a vacuum, the tongue stuck between the gums.
It is a reassuring appeasement.
Suckling is a strength training exercise that prepares your toddler for a breastfeed. But not only. Apart from eating, it brings him peace, reassures him, consoles him and helps him find sleep. Moreover, the Americans call it “pacify”. Also, if you are not against it, the pacifier can be a good ally. And since the muscles around the mouth are working hard during this time, small, light massages are welcome before sleeping!