My 2 week old newborn has developed a tendency to kick his legs and flail his arms when I am trying to latch him to feed, often obscuring his mouth or puching me in the (rather sore) breast. I pretty much have to pin his arms down as if in a straightjacket to get them out of the way and latch properly. I can't fathom how mothers breastfeed in public and manage a cover, too. Anyone else's child do this and how to improve...?
Thanks for all the ideas. I think he may be overly hungry/frustrated, I'll try to offer more often. I have been trying to get to a breastfeeding support group, but it always seems he is in the middle of a nap or feeding when I need to be getting out the door, and just hasn't worked out so far. Still getting our routine worked out...
Thanks again!
You may be waiting until he is too hungry. Try feeding him a little sooner. It sounds like he might be frustrated not getting to eat quick enough because he is hungry
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Breast feeding in public was horrible for me, too. My son did the same thing. You can try swaddling him before you try to latch him on and see if that helps. It will keep his arms out of the way and lots of babies enjoy being swaddled because it is comforting. Try it and see if it works for you.
Best of luck. :)
My son (now 11 weeks) does that when he has gas. It took me a while to figure out but if he won't latch I burp him first. Once it's out nursing goes smoothly. As for nursing in public, I have a 'hooter hider' and have used it for both kids. It allows you to nurse without worrying about being exposed - no matter how much they wiggle or how big they get. Totally worth the money!
My only suggestion is to swaddle him right before you feed him. Swaddling helps them feel safe and secure like they are back in the womb, as well as keeping him from beating you up. Congrats on your newborn!
Try swaddleing him and then use the football hold. Sit a bit away from the arm of a couch or oversized chair and get a firm pillow or boppy. If you're feeding on the right, place it on the right, left on left, etc... Hold him to your side under your right arm so his feet scrunch up to the back of the seat. Cradle his head while holding your right breast with your left hand and prep your nipple. Wait for him to open wide and shove him on. I know it sounds harsh, and your lactation consultant will shove him too. Contrary to what people may think, breastfeeding is not instinct between mother and child, it does take some work. Keep at it, and don't be afraid to contact a lactation consultant or a Le Leche Leaguer. Keep up the good work! It will get easier, I promise! And a hint - if you are going to be more comfortable with breastfeeding while covered, then start young. Good luck!
You can swaddle him nice and tight so you only have to manage his head. I'd also have everything ready to go when you are ready to nurse. Things will calm down as he gets older and nursing in public won't be too hard. A cover that straps on you will allow you privace in public even with a little flailing from the baby.
Jen,
You may already have this response, but I'll throw in on the mix! I have a three week old (congrats to you!). Your newborn is just learning how to get latched on and this will get MUCH easier. Eventually, you can just throw them back in the crook of your elbow and they go to town on their own. Sounds impossible now, I know, but you'll get there. Breastfeeding in public is next to impossible in the beginning, if you ask me (with the blanket and what not). Anyway, did you try swaddling before BF? That will help with the arms. Otherwise, just try to be patient. He'll latch eventually, sometimes they just need to flail. It's frustrating, because your boobs ACHE and your milk's letting down and it's spraying in your baby's face and then your nipple's wet and the baby's slipping all around......but eventually they get on. I promise you, this WILL get easier. For the time being, patience is the key! (Easier said than done... ;)
Amy K
just do your best. perhaps you are missing some of the more early signals that he is hungry and hes getting more desperate by the time you get to him ? try getting to him sooner or use the nursing right away instead of trying to think of other issues.
it can be hard at first, but you have just 2 weeks to go before things should start to get a bit more etablished. my son only did this routine if we used a cover, so i got used to just positioning myself properly in public, and i really didnt care if people saw. its really not anyone's business, and i never allowed myself to be open to any negative comments. having confidence about it i think helped me just deal with my son and not worry about what others thought. its either nurse in public no matter what baby is doing, or having a child scream at the top or their lungs... which is more disruptive! :P
anyway, contact your local or nearby la leche league. they are fantastic, and will have lots of tried and true suggestions from real breastfeeding moms, as well as other support for you during this exciting time! :D :D
good luck , and keep on breastfeeding - you will NEVER regret it! :D
my son was like that for a few months off and on. i just tried to keep my patience and relax so that he would do the same. Breastfeeding in public was very difficult for me because my son did not want his head to be covered. i often fed him in the car or the restroom or the dressing room so that he could be mostly uncovered.
Hang in there! I have been breastfeeding for 4 1/2 months & it will get better. Your baby is still learning & doesn't have a lot of control of their arms & legs yet. If you have someone around, they can help out by holding your baby's arms & legs while you get the baby latched on. Your baby will learn..it just takes them time & they will grow out of this!
