Baby punching and kicking during feeds

[Cariad007]

Does anyone else's DC do this? 4 month old DS sometimes strains and wriggles during feeding while kicking and punching. I know he's only a baby but little fists on tender boobs can hurt a fair bit, as can kicks in the abdomen when I feed him lying down. No idea if this is normal or not and how to stop it.

[cakebaby]

Hi, my ds did this around 4 months, it was quite draining and unpleasant for a while but it passed after a few weeks. Could you swaddle for feeds or hold his hand/give him something to ho!d? I found holding ds close & firm helped with the kicking.

[Cariad007]

Thanks. I try holding onto his feet but he's quite strong. He's been doing this for a while now so really hope it passes. He'll be feeding and then will suddenly reach up and whack me in the boob with a fist. I do usually stop and say NO firmly at that point but don't know if that works really.

[cakebaby]

Yep ds punched me in the boob/face/neck too! It will pass, I think distraction is the best way forward. I think your ds is too young for no. Ds is now 10 months & is only beginning to register 'no' which I only use for imminent danger!

[NorahBone]

I know it's not always possible, but have you tried feeding lying on the bed?

[Cariad007]

The kicking is worse when I'm lying down! And with the way he sometimes strains and struggles I wonder if he's getting enough milk or whether it's an effort to suck it out because there's not much there.

[cakebaby]

I'm sure your supply is well established by now

Could be a growth spurt or developmental thing. It will pass though I think if you can just grit your teeth and get through this stage. My ds had an expert aim, booted me right in my cs scar many times!

Is it wind? Just recalled ds used to fidget when needing winding, which peaked around 4 months just another thing to keep him waking at night

[ColdCottage]

I was just going to ask the same thing OP as 7 week old DS kicks me so hard in the tummy (mainly feed laying down due to bad back) and it really hurts, extra bad if I need a wee.
Winding or swapping breasts helps sometimes but not always and he hates being swaddled. Any ideas, do you think baby sleeping bag might work? Bit hot at the moment though.

[ColdCottage]

Just found out (out of laziness) that if you put them on a cushion when laying on your side and feed from top/higher breast, their feed at least are away from your tummy.