Rooting Around

Hi L.!

It's normal for children around 2 to 3 months to start looking around during breastfeeding - they're suddenly more aware of their surroundings and are simply fascinated by everything.

It's also normal for breastfeeding time to reduce dramatically around this time - my dd would take 45 to 60 minutes for every feeding until about 2.5 months, when it dropped down to about 10 minutes per feeding. They just become more efficient feeders. He may very well be getting all the milk he needs.

A few thoughts:

1. don't supplement unless he is not gaining weight and/or not producing 6 to 8 wet diapers every 24 hours and/or not pooping. Although, some babies around 3 months or so will switch to pooping just once every few days...if in doubt, get an appointment with a Lactation Nurse. The weight gain and wet diapers are crucial, however - if he's gaining weight, peeing a lot, is generally happy and interested in his world (as much as an 8 week old can be!), you don't need to supplement - this will only diminish your supply.

Of course, if you WANT to wean him early, supplementing is the way to go. I just wasn't sure from your post if that is what you want to do.

2. Try breastfeeding him in a quiet, boring room - as dark as you can make it. It will force him to just focus on feeding.

I hope this helps! My guess is that nothing is wrong with your supply, he's just growing up and becoming a more efficient eater AND more aware of his surroundings.

Congrats on the baby!! M.

this is perfectly normal for this age and in fact is an evolutionary stage designed to spur milk production. it has nothing to do with lack of milk, but more to do with your inquisitve baby and the exciting world around them. my babay is 3 months and has been doing the same thing for a few weeks now. unfortunatley it is just something we have to let them grow out of. good luck.

I highly advise you to get in touch with the local La Leche League leader. Here's their website:
www.llli.org.
There is also a breastfeeding support group that meets at Tuality Hospital on Tuesday mornings at 10am.
Breastfeeding is challenging, but SO worth it, and the best possible thing you can do for your baby. You need a good support base for the challenging parts, though. I highly recommend getting in touch with either of those groups to help you. :)

Hey L.!!
This just happened to me with my 14 week old. He would start nursing and if it was my left side he would root, root, root and then pull back really hard on my nipple. He would do this several times before finally settling down. I was also having some burning at the nipple. I knew it wasn't thrush and I finally decided to see a lactation consultant after several weeks of this (I know, I should have gone in sooner). She said that it sounded like the milk flow was being impeded by something and the baby was trying to "jumpstart" the breast by pulling off and on. She examined my nipple and found a white spot called a milk blister. Apparently, these are clogged nipple ducts where the milk becomes backed up. She said you have to try and open up the duct manually (either by trying to pop it or some women use a needle- yikes!)because the milk fat has solidified in there. Google "milk blister" and this might help. Either way, I would consult a lactation specialist as they are the professionals in this field. Good luck with your little one and don't give up on the breast!!