Mumsnet Talk

I'm just wondering if anyone has tips for breastfeeding a (suddenly very) fidgety six month old?

In the last few days, DD has taken to pulling off/turning her head with my nipple clamped in her gums (ouch!). She also keeps grabbing my breast quite forcefully to put it in her mouth, or pawing at and squeezing it whilst she feeds (double ouch!).

Any top tips?

Nursing necklace - buy one.

Afraid it's the slippery slope because it only gets worse when they get bigger and can actually entirely turn round while clamped on.

If the nursing necklace doesn't attract her attention entirely every time she does this, using your finger, unlatch her, say no and put her on the floor. She will wail like you've cut her toe off. Wait ten seconds and pick her up and let her latch back on. You may have to do this a few times but she will get the message.

Agree with whomovedmychocs tips - but would add, it is a stage they go through, and will get easier (then harder, then easier, then harder, then easier etc...)

Ooh, thanks. Will try that!

And finally do not let her nails grow too long because while a poke in the eye is annoying, a scratched cornea followed immediately by a bitten nipple is just too much of a bad day to contemplate <bitter experience obviously>

Gosh, nasty. I'm on constant nail patrol anyway because of the pawing, but that sounds hideous. I will be extra vigilant!