How does breastfeeding encourage learned self-regulation in infants?

Breastfeeding encourages learned self-regulation in infants primarily because it allows them to develop an understanding of fullness and hunger cues. When breastfeeding, infants are in control of the feeding process; they can suck, pause, and decide when to stop feeding based on their own hunger signals. This natural interaction helps them recognize internal signals of satiety. As a result, they learn to stop feeding when they feel full, fostering a sense of self-regulation that is crucial for healthy eating habits as they grow.

This ability to self-regulate during breastfeeding can differ significantly from bottle-feeding, where the flow of milk can be more constant and may lead to different feeding patterns. Breastfeeding promotes a more responsive feeding relationship, emphasizing the infant's own role in regulating their food intake, which contributes positively to their development of self-regulation.