Hi mamas,
My 6 1/2 month old has a new little trick he enjoys. While nursing (and he waits until he has LOTS of suction) he quickly pulls his head back. He isn't biting, but this REALLY hurts! My nipples are so sore that the thought of feeding him makes me cringe. I don't know why he is doing this, especially since he seems to enjoy nursing and won't take "real" food yet, try as we might. Please help!! I have tried keeping my arm firm behind his head so that he can't pull back so hard, but that isn't helping. He isn't stuffy and so it isn't a breathing issue. I am to the point where I want to stop nursing, but I feel guilty because I BF'ed my daughter for a year... Any suggestions are appreciated!!!
E.
Hi E.,
Eveything I have read has always said to pause the session and say no biting or no that hurts then try to nurse again and if he does it again end the feeding. He will get the connection soon enough not to hurt Mommy if he wants to keep eating.
First of all that is a very typical thing for a 6 month old to do. They get quite interested in the world around them and it is hard for them to concentrate on just nursing.
I would agree that perhaps treating it like you would biting is the best way to go. We had a biting issue and it def. got better once I started ending the nursing session.
Don't give up! Mama milk is so good for him!
I also concur about treating it like biting. He is also getting to an age where he wants to explore. Let him have a small toy that he can hold onto while nursing or where a nursing necklace to give him something to focus on near you. It also may help if you are nursing him in a quiet place.
I agree - treat the same as you would biting. Stop nursing him, say NO that hurts mommy - and offer him your breast again. 3 strikes and you're out, in my book. He should learn very quickly if you're very firm and consistent. Good luck!
That sounds like it hurts! I'd probably treat it much the same as biting. Keep your thumb right by his cheek so you can break the suction fast if he does it and then when he does take him off and put him down and don't feed him again for at least 20 minutes. If it works for biting it should work for the other right?
