What's this all about then?

[gaelicsheep]

First of all, apologies if this is a duplication but my original post a few minutes ago seemed to disappear into cyberspace.

I'm a mum of two and currently breastfeeding my 3 month old DD, but I feel like a complete novice. I've just ditched the nipple shields that have kept us going for 12 weeks and DD is exhibiting what to me seems like very strange behaviour.

Quite often she is tugging at the breast which is a pain but otherwise OK and I presume related to slow milk flow at times. But she is also kind of stretching the breast by pushing it towards me with her hand and simultaneously pulling away at the nipple. I'm sure that's not a good idea for the long term well being of my nipples! She also sometimes does a kind of front crawl movement with her free arm and generally seems tense and hyper.

Other than a bit of tugging occasionally, she doesn't do any of this when we use nipple shields. Does anyone have any ideas what could be causing her to do this?

Oh good, all of that sounds really good.

Carry on, it just gets easier and easier as time goes on

And enjoy co-sleeping ...

gaelicsheep - only just seen your thread and just wanted to add some words of encouragement. Sounds like you've been doing a great job.

I remember DS doing a very similar tugging/pushing thing. He was also an early teether so there may be something to that - he got his first tooth at 15 weeks. Don't let this put you off though - with a good latch, teeth do not get in the way!

With regard to co-sleeping, like Pacific, I didn't intend to but it was the only way to survive. I did a very similar thing with his cot against my side of the bed. There were nights when I needed space to stretch out every so often and those nights, DH was ok sleeping in the spare room. Even now (DS is 17mo next week), he comes into bed for a BF on waking at around 6am.

Glad things have been better today anyway and do get the possible reflux investigated - could be an easy solution.

According to my anatomist husband (yes, professionally ) the stretch and pull elongates and straightens the duct allowing for a faster and more direct flow. My baby tends to do it more towards the end of a feed, I presume to get more milk faster when things are slowing down.

It is annoying and painful, but totally normal. As is the front crawl movement -- that's the baby hitting your breast to stimulate a faster letdown. I think it's rather cute.

so sorry-not been on since I posted.
feeding lying down midwife showed me all this on day 3...and it did quite literally save me from madness as DS only went three hours at most between feeds until he was ten months.....

Thanks everyone. We're giving feeding lying down a go and it's much better than a few weeks ago. She doesn't latch as well so it makes me a bit sore but we'll keep practising. Last night it was my saviour!

Organic - I've been on the reflux support thread and DD has so many of the symptoms described. From what I've read breastmilk is one of the best things for her so I shan't be rushing to get other treatment just now. In a way it's good to know there might be something up and it's not me just being at crap at coping with a baby.