Bad manners at the breast?

[attachedmummy]

My son is 6 1/2 months old and has recently developed some very bad habits when feeding. He pinches, punches, and slaps me and it constantly latching and unlatching. As soon as he cathes something in the corner of his eye or hears somebody talking, he pulls himself off and looks around?

Why is he doing this, and what can i do?

Hiya,

I've noticed my 4 1/2 month old beginning to show some of these traits - especially the nosiness. I can't help with the pinching and stuff except to say I would just try saying no firmly, or holding his hand if he does it?

With regard the looking around, all I have tried is removing distractions when feeding. SO feeding in a quiet room on our own, no TV etc. Makes for v boring feed for you but at least he gets what he needs. I have also been known to just put him down and walk away for 5 mins if he is pissing about too much.

Hope some of this helps?

Thank you Nin, that's fab. I've heard people talking about breastfeeding necklaces so I am also going to try that tomorrow. Thanks again!

It only gets worse...

It only gets better ;)

Babies and toddlers go through all sorts of interesting nursing behaviour. Encourage the stuff you find cute and discourage the rest. Most habits can be removed or moderated to acceptable levels. i.e DS insisted on having skin to skin contact with me whilst nursing with his hands. I discouraged holding the other nipple as I couldn't stand it, but he still pats my back or puts his arm up my arm sleeve to hold my arm.

To discourage pinches, punches and slaps, you can hold his hands gently, play hand games like 'round and round the garden' OR give him something to hold onto whilst nursing (nursing necklace or a toy) OR stop nursing and put him down every time he does it.

Thank you Babieseverywhere!

Oh and i agree, nothing is better than nursing! It can never be 'worse' for me :D

I bf two years now any my son done that, was only a phase i get stroked now, very relaxing.

I wasn't saying breastfeeding gets worse, I meant the distractions. It suddenly becomes a different thing to bf an older baby; new positions, less frequent, my DD is very much in control of BF with her hands now. You both adapt.

I love how they hold your breast while eating!

I thought by bad manners you were referring to the sort of stuff my ds does - never thought i'd have snot/vomit on my boob

My DD used to try and tune into Radio 4 on the other nipple ..

How often are you feeding him and what are the ques for feeding him? I wonder if sometimes he may not really want a feed and not be that hungry. If he starts mucking about on the boob I would take it that he wasn't hungry and stop!

He's always been a snacker, feeding for about 10-15 minutes every 2-4 hours on average. He's still feeding regularly in the night but as we co-sleep that's no bother.

Maybe he is just so distracted by what is going on around him?

Yes distractions really do kick in at this age, they are so alert and interested in what is going on around them, even if they are hungry. They usually get better at dealing with distractions as they get older - e.g. for lots of babies the feeds get quicker.

Also, pinching/punching/twiddling/poking/relatching etc can be because they have worked out this is a good way to stimulate another let-down of milk - they do it when the flow slows down. As a PP has said, it's all a normal part of BF a baby of this age!