Baby shaking head, getting hands in the way and generally arsing about. Advice pls?

[TheDuchessOfNorksBride]

Other than to use a straightjacket and get him in a headlock?

It's driving me mad and causing immense pain. He's in a good body position, isn't having to wait and when he does finally latch on, he's calm and happy (even if I'm not). He's 4 days old btw.

I've had a quick look through archive but haven't got long enough to be thorough.

TIA

straitjacket swaddling is a good idea - how-to with pics here

if it's hot use a sheet but a cotton jersey blanket works fine

Second the swaddling - you can buy special swaddling blankets that make it even easier, if people are looking for present ideas! Grobag do a really cute one, I found it in toys r us.

my ds was the same and eventually calmed down.

I have some swaddling blankets that you are welcome to try. CAT me your address and I will get one posted to you

Is he actually hungry? He could be over hungry, tired, windy etc. Try wiping some milk on his lips. There are loads of breastfeeding positions, maybe you could try some other ones out. Most midwives offer help with breastfeeding- you could try asking them to go through it with you. If you are very sore you could get some nipple shields from the chemist.

Shaking head is normally a way of finding and latching on. Arms waving could also mean he has hopeless sense of direction!

Have you tried rubbing the cheek next that's closest to your boob - ie little rub on right hand side of his cheek if heading for left boob, to give him an indication of where to go (they tend to turn their head in the direction of the rubbed cheek).

My dd also used to do the head shaking or pulling off the boob as a way of stimulating the let down (which of course then shot all over the place). She still shakes her head now when she is hungry and sees food (18 months).

Good luck

Thanks everyone. I will try swaddling - I have some sheets fit for purpose. Thanks for offer though SGK .

I do the cheek stroke thing. It's early days, I must learn some patience!