Sucking on fists? Still hungry?

[cbell]

My little one has been sucking on her fists, fingers, thunbs and anything else lately. She is 4 months old and no doubt has started the tething process perhaps but I am also wondering if she is still hungry. Is this possible? She is not a good nurser unfortunately and I question my supply as she has a bad tendancy to suck, stop, suck, stop after she has gotten the let down. When the flow isn't there she gets frustrated and the "suck" is not very powerful becuase she is barely on before she comes off again. What gives? Oh and she tends to be a bit cranky in that she isn't getting milk... I'm not surprised because of her strange routine.

[Samuel's mum]

It's so hard to determine the cause because as you say this is the age for teething but also 'hey, I've got hands!! This sucking thing is fun and I can do it by myself!!'.

To judge whether she's getting enough I would consider her weight gain (although this isn't the most significant factor), her amount of wet nappies (assuming you are ebf - around 6 in 24 hours), her general behaviour and alertness. If it's just sucking then that's one thing if it's unhappy sucking, seeming dissatisfied at the end of a feed, that's different.

If her feeding is inefficient you could learn about breast compressions:
http://www.bfar.org/compression.shtml

I think if you are worried about your latch then you should consider getting a professional opinion or talking through your concerns with someone qualified. Calling a helpline can be completely free and there are number on the FAQ board. They may have some practical suggestions or just put your mind at rest.

[Erin M]

Like Emma said, look at other indicators of being full.  My DD sucked her thumb all the time around 4 months and I was worried it was because she was still hungry, but she gained well and was fine.  Also, they get to be super efficient nursers at this age anyway -- my DD often finished nursing in under 5 minutes.

[hastija]

I found my LOL was sucking on her fists when she was overtired. She was using it as a self calming mechanism. Once I got her in a nice routine the sucking and drooling stopped.