crazy bf- what does it mean?

[bytheseaside]

Lo is 7 weeks (prem) and usually bfs really well, but periodically does this thing of madly shaking her head when trying to latch, at the start or also part way through a feed. doesn't look like she's trying to push off, just a bit frenzied and frustrated. it does look very funny, but I've no idea what it means. is it wind? (certainly seems to cause wind!) Is she struggling to get any milk out? Wish i could help her ....

[Tincletoes]

I would guess she's trying to encourage a faster let down! Far more preferable to when they get older and realise twiddling your other nipple has the same effect (I'm looking at you, DD)

[SarryB]

I'd agree with tincletoes - try massaging your boob before hand to help the milk start to flow.

[amarylisnightandday]

Have you cut out caffeine? Dd fussed at the breast like that until I did - might be worth a try.

[EauRouge]

It's unlikely that caffeine is the culprit, unless you drink a lot of coffee. Up to about 5 cups a day shouldn't make any difference, but if you want to try cutting it out then it won't cause any harm :)

[bytheseaside]

thanks ladies! no, I've not had caffeine for several years now ... unless you count chocolate, I'm getting through lots of that the mo (and not the 70% stuff)
I will try the massage thing.

[flipflopson5thavenue]

my DS did this around 10 weeks I think. Sort of passed my nipple side to side between his lips frantically, usually followed by frantic arm and leg waving and sort of arching backwards and doubling up. Was weird. He also used to latch on then yank his head backwards with nipple firmly clamped between his mouth.... I read on another post that one woman's baby would head butt her breast and yell at it! Odd little creatures :-)

[bytheseaside]

haha flipflops that sounds like it! Yes, perhaps its just normal baby oddness ...

[magoosmom]

my DS used to do that, drove me mad! I didn't do anything about it, just carried on, like you he had phases of it and then would return to normal.

[TeaandHobnobs]

Do you mean shaking her head from side to side as she hovers over the nipple before she latches? DS did this early on (8 weeks prem) - drove me bananas! He'd also thrash about, then stick his fist in his mouth instead of latching. I asked the LLL group leader about it, and she just suggested resting the nipple on his cheek and he'd find his own way there eventually.

He stopped doing it at some point, but I can't remember when

[Hyperballad]

Hello!

Another one here with a crazy baby! Mine does everything as described above from time to time with the addition of growling!

He does the wierd shaky head thing and growls!