I have to say, this is the first time I've seen this in an adult. I recently took care of a G3P2 at time of delivery and immediately after. She was in her mid 20's and was sucking her thumb and cuddling a lovie up to her face. When I got report from the nurse going off shift, I almost didn't believe her when she told me that this patient sucks her thumb. Until I saw it for myself while doing a post delivery fundal check.
Yep, sucking her thumb, with a lovie (blanket scrap) right next to her face. I'm guessing she has some possible childhood issues to work on. PMH includes being in foster care, but no notations of childhood abuse.
I felt so bad for her
The off-going nurse had even said something to her about it, and the patient even admitted that her 4 yr old child teases her about it.