Parenting
Friday, November 20, 2009
Tips For Coping With a Distracted Nurser
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- by LilSugar, on Tue Nov 3, 2009 12:05pm PST
While experts may agree that
breastfeeding is one of
the best things mothers can do for their babies, many moms admit it
also happens to be quite challenging. Just as you and your baby get
into the swing of things, he or she is probably noticing that
there's more to life than just mommy. Though it may be a good
sign of development, it can make nursing a chore. Many tots are
more interested in taking in the world around them and not the
milk. If you've got a distracted nurser on your hands (and
breasts) check out these tips for coping.
- Turn Off Electronics - When your little one
was a newborn, you may have turned to your iPhone or the TV to pass
the time. Now that your baby is older, it may be time to tuck those
devices away. The very things that keep mommy's attention will
do the same for her wee one.
- Nurse on the Move - It may seem odd, but
walking around the room or rocking in a chair while nursing your
child may actually help him or her focus more.
- Don't Give Up - Tots may pull off of the
breast if they hear a noise or see daddy walk across the room, but
don't call it quits just then. Try, try, try again. Chances are
your baby is not really done.
- Move to a Quiet Place - Some babies are easily
distracted by noises. If your tot seems to be preoccupied, move to
a quiet place while breastfeeding.
- Make Sure Your Supply Is Up - If your little
one is not getting enough milk at a fast pace, he is more likely to
get distracted from feeding. The harder it is, the harder time
he'll have concentrating. Increasing your milk supply
may be all it takes to get baby back in the swing of things.
- Move to a Dark Place - Some children need more
than just quiet — they also need it to be dark. If your baby seems
interested in everything but nursing, try moving to a darker spot.
- Cover Baby Up - If darkness is not an option,
you can also try covering up. Nursing covers allow mommy to
nurse discreetly in public, but they can also help lil ones focus
on the task at hand.
- Change Positions - Sometimes your little
wiggler needs to be wrangled in a little more tightly. Try changing
positions while nursing your tot. A good option is the football
hold because it gives you a little more control over your hungry
baby. On the other hand, some unruly wee ones will be more apt to
cooperate if they are the ones with more control. If that sounds
like your tot, try nursing your baby standing up or sitting on your
lap facing you.
- Timing Is Everything - It's not always
convenient, but if you're really looking to make sure your tot
has a few decent feedings in the day try picking times when she is
more willing. Good times usually include: right when she wakes up,
when she's getting sleepy, or even when she's already
asleep.
- Nurse More Often - If all else fails,
distracted children may need to nurse more often in order to ensure
that they are getting enough milk. It's hard on mommy who's
probably enjoying fewer feedings throughout the day, but remember
that this too shall pass.
Related Content:
Nursing Pillows That Make
Breastfeeding a Breeze
Realistic Words of Encouragement
for Nursing Moms
Five Things Not to Say To a
Nursing Mother
Related: parenting, infants, feeding, breastfeeding
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Posted by alaskamommy Thu Nov 5, 2009 11:03am PST
I read the title as "tips for dealing with a distracted nurse" and wondered how in the world the article had anything to do with a nurse in a drs. office being distracted. I had to reread the title to get it. Thanks for the laugh today! :)
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Posted by Mammina Thu Nov 5, 2009 11:26am PST
Alaskamommy, the same happened to me, I was wondering what breastfeeding had to do with a nurse :)
Great tips by the way.
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Posted by AimeeM Thu Nov 5, 2009 7:13pm PST
None of the suggestions would have fixed my distracted nurser 17 years ago-her problem was her sister! Suggestions to make a 4 year old shut up so that the baby could nurse would have helped!
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Posted by des Thu Nov 5, 2009 9:31pm PST
It's true my lil' 4 month old gets fussy if my milk supply is low and she gets fussy if the tv is on she'll turn her head to look what I do is go to the bed and we lay down and she nurse's while I lay down. And as far as the nursing top I have one and I take it every where I go because my daughter sometimes eats every hour and the top just goes over my head like a rain coat and when she's done I take it off and know one even knows what I did. And as far as the football hold goes I like that way to nurse my lil' girl she's just getting so long that it's funny. But one thing I hate is when people ask me "your still breast feeding". I say "yes and my baby is healthy." I wonder why people make these remarks it's none of their business and they would not know because they haven't nursed there kids, and breastfeeding is the best. Yes its hard work but well worth it. And I feel like telling people yes I'm nursing her still, if I don't how else will she eat". But I ignore and smile. Breast feeding is a learning experience for both mom and baby and it's worth it. My daughter has not gotten sick. And it's healthy it has antibodies, white blood cells, and the bonding experience is awesome we look in eachothers and when I pump I let her dad feed her while I either nap or clean up. Those who are nursing continue and for those who have medical reasons and can't we'll sympathise for you.
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