Here is something that's just occurred to me: Is there a certain protocol for a lactating mother to use when interacting with the newborn of someone else? My friend just had a baby, and I'm going to visit. As a nursing mommy, will my presence disturb the lactational bond and rhythm that my friend is trying to establish with her new baby?
Oh, let me specify--I was thinking in terms of holding the baby right on my chest or shoulder, where he might sense the presence of milk. Could he sense it from someone else and want to nurse?
Great, 'cause I am looking forward to loving on this fresh drop of sweetness!
Thanks for the input!
I think babies are "programmed," like others said here, to recognize their mommy's scent, and yes, when hungry will latch onto anything/anyone. Funny story: One time, my daughter latched onto my MIL's arm, and went right for the breast of my very pregnant friend.
Take it in stride. The new mom will be glad to bond with you, and you with her and the baby!
And don't cry over spilled milk :-)
Yes, It's possible, but only if baby is hungry. And if he does start to root n you just hand him back to mom.
Just my personal experience: If the baby you're holding smells your milk and wants it they'll begin to fuss so much that you'll be handing 'em back to mom in no time flat! I've never heard of it disturbing the bond with mom.
why would it? Unless you pop your boob in her babies mouth it won't affect it at all.
Edited to Add: He'll want to nurse when he's hungry ... not because you are lactating.
If he starts rooting when you're holding him it means he's hungry and it's time to hand him back to mama.
Just don't hold him in a nursing position. Only thing I can think to offer. When a newborn is hungry they will start to root on whatever is near them/whoever is holding them. My own kids would start rooting on their dad. It's just time to hand them back to mama so they can eat is all :)
Now...depending on how established your nursing is and how sensitive you are, you may find the newborn may trigger you to letdown. Doesn't happen to everyone but it is within the realm of possibilities so be warned LOL
He may smell the milk on you, but as a nursing mother you know the signs of a baby wanting the breast. If your friend's baby begins to look for the breast then just hand him back to mommy and let her take over.
This is bringing back memories of our babes sucking on my husband's nose at every chance they got. They really do not care where the milk comes from lol.
As a breastfeeding mom yourself, you should know that a bfed baby will nuzzle ANYONE'S breast, not just a lactating one! All my kids and nieces and nephews would root on anything that stroked their cheeks! LOL! Just enjoy new baby, and when it roots, hand it back to its momy for a quick meal :)
never heard of that happening..
ALL babies will "sense" it.
ALL babies, when held by anyone (when they are newborns) are trying to find a feed source. The do it even on men.
It wont mess anything up.
You will be fine, just make sure you have bottles to collect the gush from your possible reaction to new baby, yours or not. If you have Lily Padz vs reg nursing pads this would be the time to use them and in my experience my son tried to nurse anything that looked like a breast!
Not unless you nurse her!
I just googled it and what I read just said that babies strongest sense is smell as a newborn. The newborn establishes the mothers scent hours after birth and that is why they like to hand mom the baby after birth.
I was curious because my 6 year old can still pick up the scent of mom and dad. She does the exact same thing is the dog does...one deep strong whiff. Sometimes she will just smile and say Mommy. Makes us giggle!
I wouldn't worry about it.. Just come support your friend. Bring coffee and diapers or wipes .
Nah, don't stay away. It's not just mommy boobs they're after. It's ALL boobs! My first got a mouth full of nipple hair trying to latch onto my hubby at three a.m.!!!
Enjoy your friend's new one. He will want mommy if he is awake anyway and as another mom said, you may gush like old faithful. I would start during baby commercials.
