Benedict cries to communicate and being nipple dependent

I have started the routine if the baby cries. Find out:-

1. Did he have his feed? Was it adequate? I check with Mommy and if she is extremely tired or sore, we get the expressed milk.
2. Did we forget to burp him gently? He seems to burp on his own when he is seated up or his head is placed gently on my shoulder while seated in my arms.
3. Did he wet his pants or defecate? He gets cleaned or washed, dried, powdered and dressed up. Seem to adjust well without any fuss.
4. Did he get adequate sleep? He gets annoyed if he doesn't get his sleep (up to 16 hours/day).
5. Did I forget to give him a cosy napkin or blanket wrap?
6. Did he get a little rock or pat to soothe his feelings? I carry the fella around the house and pat his bottom lightly. He doesn't fuss as I don't 'smell' like Mommy.
7. Is he having an upset or bloated stomach or constipated? There are some medication available from the doctor.
8. Talk to him - Nothing beats a little confidence and tender loving care.


It's been a week since we've noted that little Benedict (3 weeks old) has taken a liking for the nipple. He seems to breastfeed and then continue to tug onto the nipple while dozing off. If he's taken off the nipple he gets moody and cries until he gets the nipple. I don't think we would start the pacifier yet. When he goes to the baby-sitter, she would probably use it quite a lot. Nothing beats Mommy's tender loving care.

Find out more at these links:-
What to do when your newborn cries
How much milk to feed
Pacifier use shorten breastfeeding duration

*Further studies are required before a recommendation could be made about use of pacifiers in newborns.