discouraging breast-handling, whilst maintaining don't offer- don't refuse

[twoboots]

A bit of long winded title i know, but i'd like to know what your general experiences are.

DD is 26 months, she can go a few days without feeding, but I will give it to her if she asks for it, which can be 5-6 times a day, if i'm sedentary enough, ie sitting still for a few minutes.

She has to say "do-do" or "milky" to receive it, but she is very much in the habit of playing, pinching, fondling me at any given moment. Supermaret trolleys are lots of fun!

I know its mainly her expressing affection and seeking comfort. I feel guitly enough for being away for up to 12 hours a day, however, I want my breasts back!

We have tried being consistent with alternative cuddles, distraction, a firm no, a tight top, using the "big girl" logic......

Any tips? Or can i expect this to go on until she she just looses intrest.

Peace out

twoboots - this is toddler behaviour which you would deal with in the same way as you deal with any other toddler behaviour you recognise as normal but want to discourage, yes? I don't think it's a bf issue, only that this is the context it's happening in.

You might find some ideas if you search on 'nursing manners' on mumsnet or elsewhere on the net. Two-year-olds can learn 'boundaries' in this aspect of behaviour just as with any other - just as you would not want her to pull your hair or poke your eyes or tweak your nose unasked, you don't want her pinching etc your breasts....so sticking to a consistent response (a firm no would be my suggestion followed by distraction) every time she does it, will eventually work.

You don't have to feed her every time she asks, either, if it's not convenient. Sometimes, mothers find they can't sit down because the toddler pounces every time. You can say 'no' and explain why ('mummy's reading the paper' or 'no, we have to go out in a minute'). It's just 'manners', and they learn eventually just as they learn other bits of social awareness :)