child masterbation

[anusrianu]

Hi everybody, I have 1-1/2 year old daughter. Since few days imI am noticing that she tries masterbation. She puts her fingers on her down parts and starts rubbing. she also put her fingers on her nipples. she tries rubbing her fingers on her other parts also. I make her stop but she gets irritated and starts doing the same again. She doesnot get my words as she is so little. It worries me too much. Is it normal or should i consult her pediatrician? please help me out. Does it going to harm her in the future? Please please help me and tell me what to do. I have the only child and I don't want to take any risk. So please give me some suggestions. thanks.

[anusrianu]

Thanks a lot.

[Mmarkey19695]

I agree with nursegirl6572 completely. I completely understand your reasoning behind choosing this family member in the first place, I mean honestly they are bias so your child will get the best possible care but when it comes to things like this you are not comfortable with sharing it would be more beneficial if the pediatrician you decided to confide in was her primary and knew her history. I would switch doctors as well but that in itself could cause an issue within your family! Tuff call! I would ponder that for awhile because I don't think this is something she should be seen for unless of course you suspect abuse. I don't think any abuse has taken place per say so I hope everything works out! God bless

[nursegirl6572]

Masturbation is normal and it will not harm her.  Also, it's not a good idea to have a doctor who is a family member, for the exact reason you mention, that you don't feel comfortable discussing certain things.  I would recommend finding a new doctor for the child.

[Mmarkey19695]

I wouldn't worry or stress about it. That act in itself does not mean there is anything wrong and I personally do not believe it will effect her in anyway what so ever as an adolescence or Adult.

I have heard of many cases of this from one of the mothering websites I joined. It's my opinion she may of seen a female doing it just because of how she does it. I do not remember every hearing masterbating technique   of a child that mimick an adults. Again I could be wrong but try ****.com hopefully you can get some more insight from other moms that have been through this with their child.

[anusrianu]

Thanks to both of you so much for responding me. I am worry for if she continues with this behaviour then will it be harmful for her younger aged stage? May be it happen that she will not grow healthily. Might be it affect her married life. I am really in a very awkward situation to discuss with her pediatrician bcoz he belongs to our family. So if it settles here and it is really not going to harm my child and she is not on the wrong path as it is normal then it will be very helpful for me.
thank you.

[nursegirl6572]

I disagree that your daughter has seen an adult masturbating.  Most children that age commonly explore their own bodies, and if they find something that feels good, they'll do it.  Your daughter is very young, so it may be a little difficult trying to explain to her that there's a time and a place for that.  Try not to approach it from a place of anger or shame.  Try to instead redirect her behavior, and if it continues, you could try to reinforce to her that that's a behavior that's for private time.

Of course, if you suspect any kind of abuse, it goes without saying that you should explore that with your doctor, but from what you've written, I'm not seeing anything alarming.

Good luck to you.

[Mmarkey19695]

I have heard of many children  doing this, even as young as your child. I wouldn't be to concerned about the fact she is masterbating I would be more concerned with how she is doing it. Most children under the age of five that masterbate are straining their muscles or rubbing there selves on objects to create that sensation. Your child has seen a grown woman doing this and was mimicking her at first until she felt that sensation and likes it. She doesn't understand the concept of sex, masterbastion, orgasium, ect....., all she knows is it feels good. If you do not know where she saw this then I would have her seen by a professional to see if anything else has taken place. Good luck and god bless