Right now I am completely SICK of feeding my 7 month old, tell me this is a phase that passes, please

[VacantlyPretty]

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VP, I so know how that goes! Dd3 was exactly the same- my chest and neck were covered in scratches, my books were snatched out of my hand and thrown across the room, and so on...
It was maddening. However it seemed for me, though, she did still need it and get comfort and pleasure from it in her own way, so I used to hold the hand which was scratching and listen to the radio, and do my best to ignore. Bloody hard, though.4 years on, at age 6, she is still fidgety and rough with others- it was all part of her personality, I suppose. I am fidgety too, and sort of understand it. There are people who just need to keep moving. Batter on if you can- I'm sure he enjoys it- and good luck.

DD2 does this to me and she is bottled fed.

I find that she will only fed is she is hungry so may only have between 15 to 20oz's in 24hrs.

I have to say now that she 8.6mths she much prefers proper food to milk so i make sure include 2 milky dishes a day.

I know exactly how you feel! DD is 8.5 months and feeds are beginning to feel like a real battle. Her latest trick is to use her new found pincer grip to get hold of my nipples and try to pull them off whilst at the same time kicking me in the face and laughing.

She feeds much better when sleepy/at night.

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Distraction is the key - maybe sing to him or put on a CD. Maybe he just wants attention. I couldn't do anything while feeding by this stage but the feeds should be getting quicker.

VP,I hope you feel calmer about things. Looking back, when one of mine was hard work at the breast it was always to do with them being unwell. I used to feel so awful and guilty about my feelings of frustration and anger then (not that i am suggesting you should though!)

VP, my ds (8.4 months) does the same. Despite me battling with him to keep his nails as short as possible, I'm covered in bruises and scratches. I look like I've been dragged through a particularly spikey hedge! His particular favourite is to grab a chunk of boob skin and twist his hand !! I have found giving him something to do with his hands has helped, sometimes I wear a silly cheap plastic beaded necklace which he plays with, or sometimes I give him a muslin or a small teddy bear to hold. I figure if he's holding something he can't be scratching or pinching me.

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my DS used to use my boobs as a handle and he could sit himself upright while feeding. [winnk] have to say it was part of the reason I stopped BF. Well done for continuing, oh just a thought I know he is a bit old for this but could you swaddle him??

oops

Could you try these? jungle boobs nursing necklaces

I think they are great and they are meant to keep busy hands occupied.

That should say "jingle" not jungle!

that's where I got the idea for the necklace IlanaK! Oh dear VP, does he have a favourite toy, maybe something that makes a noise or a taggie you can distract him with? DS has a little blanket bunny he loves twisting the ears and playing with it while feeding.

My nearly 5mo has started with this, he rhythmically slaps my boob when feeding, doesn't hurt but is fecking annoying. That's when he is not grabbing my glasses, or anything else - like VP I can't read a book or anything because he grabs at whatever is in my hand.
He also keeps pulling off and throwing himself back on again, and cries during a feed too. He has been teething so that probably doesn't help. Just got some Ashton powders, hoping that'll help.
Really miss the days when he was teeny and I could feed him, have a cup of tea and a hob nob at the same time...

All my DCs have been Bf and they have all done this. It's not personal.

My sister, whose DD was bottlefed, said to me the other day when she saw DS thumping me "oh I'd forgotten about that, DD used to do that all the time at that age."

Keep at it!!

i thought the thumping thing was to do with stimulating letdown. I think I read it on here but I could be imagining it. Wishful thinking probably

I have just come down after my bath, wrapped in a towel (TMI) to post again as I have realised what a dumb thing I said.

So, correction: It IS personal !!

The banging and thumping is all an expression of pleasure. Like when you get them out of their cot in the morning, they are all squiggle and squirm and flapping hands and feet - because they are so delighted to see you paying them attention. The fisticuffs at feeding time are the same thing.

Haven't you ever been pushing the buggy and have a stranger talk to your baby - you can't see baby's face but you know he is smiling because you can see the arms and legs waggling. When he has his mouth full of boob he is even less able to smile...

Please don't give up just because of that.

aw that's so sweet balloonslayer. I know it's a pain, but the thought that ds is flapping about like a penguin cos he likes it makes me feel all warm and fluffy (can you tell I've had a couple of glasses of wine? )

You have my sympathy. I am yet another fellow sufferer. DS (8 months) is pinching me so hard on the bits of my aureola that are exposed that they are covered in bruises and scabs. He also tries to push his finger in his mouth when he is feeding as well as pinching, scratching, punching me, pulling my hair etc. Lets hope it is just a phase that will pass soon.

You could bottle feed. But I'm assuming you want to continue, right?

We could, but from what lizziemum says, it won't make a bit of difference!

i'm sticking it out btw.

At 7 months your DS is old enough to learn some nursing manners

I remember my DD going though this phrase and it is upsetting. We are still nursing and she is 21 months old, I still give her an interesting object to distract her whilst nursing and if she is wriggling too much, I stop the nursing session and send her off to play and nurse her later.

All the best.