Is it okay to "dry" nurse my baby?

Question

My son is about six months old. I weaned him off of breast milk about a month ago. My milk has completely dried up.

Occasionally he gets really fussy and the only way to soothe him is to let him nurse for a few minutes until he falls asleep. We always offer him a pacifier or a bottle first, but if he doesn't want either of those, letting him "dry" nurse seems to do the trick.

Has anyone else ever done this? Is there any reason not to? I'm not worried about my milk coming back in because I only do this once every few days.

Answer 1

If it works and doesn't bother you, I don't see why there would be any problems.  

Answer 2

It could bring the milk back but I would guess you need to do it almost constantly. I don't see a big harm in doing it but it may be a hard habit to break.

Answer 3

I don't any problem w/it at all. Plenty of parents use actual pacifiers for a very long time and an actual breast shouldn't be any different. He's used to you and his comfort is important.

Answer 4

If you feel okay with it then I don't see why it would be a problem.

My son did this for a little while after I weaned him because I had such trouble getting him to sleep. He was much older though and it really annoyed me so I stopped it. It didn't do any harm though.

Answer 5

it's possible that your milk isn't completely gone.  a baby could still get some even if you can't express any yourself.

Answer 6

He does this cause he wasn't ready to stop nursing yet.... he is probaly getting some milk from you still  if you are only doing it once every few days what are you doing on the other days to calm him?

Answer 7

It's perfectly fine. My daughter does something similar and my lactation specialist and her pediatrician both agree if I can handle myself being used as a pacifier, it's the best thing for her.