Is it a phase?

[kbearmytai]

My ds is 4 1/2 months old and has become such a distracted eater. It seems he eats just enough to be content for a little bit as not to miss anything. His output is great, no worries there.

I am finding that because of this I have a hard time getting him interested in latching on at first. It starts out as a struggle, I usually have to alternate sides until he gets interested in one and then he will finally eat just from one breast so I pump the other side due to the fullness (oh btw, I hate to pump). I'm just wondering if this will end. I really enjoy breastfeeding but lately not so much. I feel like I am wiped out trying to get ds to eat without fighting it.

Has anyone's LO gone through this phase and then grown out of it? At about what age? Any thoughts are greatly appreciated. Thank you.

[MacGirl]

Phase.. yes, and it never stops, until they're an adult!!!

Distracted!! Often times, nursing in a quiet, dim room helps, so does a nursing necklace (google it).

Also around this age, they will pull and tug at the nipple to try to stimulate let down quicker (smart little dickens they are!)

(BTW, I also hated pumping)

[USAFeyez06]

Oh boy... good call! My little one pulls and tugs and even chomps down to help soothe her sore gums.

Nursing necklaces help a lot. I actually connected a whole bunch of her links together and threw it around my neck... works like a champ.

I second the dim, quiet room as well. That works for my little one (but only sometimes).

Don't worry mamma... it'll get better. And when it does, your little one will find another way to bother you!!! LOL. Seriously, you'll learn to work together a little better as each day passes, but some days are always better than others.

[kbearmytai]

I appreciate the suggestions. I have tried a dim, quiet room and yet he still manages to find something to distract him. He also does the pulling, tugging and chomping down on my nipple.
I will try the necklaces and see what happens.

[Brianna]

He may simply be getting older and needing to nurse less often. How often is babe nursing? Most babies do go through a distracted stage. Can you walk around your house while you nurse him or sing a silly song. Singing and walking used to entertain Rylan while he nursed.

[kbearmytai]

He may simply be getting older and needing to nurse less often. How often is babe nursing? Most babies do go through a distracted stage. Can you walk around your house while you nurse him or sing a silly song. Singing and walking used to entertain Rylan while he nursed.


He nurses whenever he wants basically. If he looks like he is hungry then it is straight to the boob. Last night was about every 1 1/2. That suprised me because he was awake yesterday from 8 am to about 8:30 am with no nap.

I do a lot of walking around with him and we go for a walk everyday to get some fresh air and sunshine.

[kbearmytai]

Sorry I meant 8 am to about 8:30 pm.

[FirstTimeMommy]

What helps me is talking to her while is nursing. She is very easy to distract so I also sing to her. I never tried a nursing necklace but that might help.

Good luck :)