I remember it well. My sweet little, cuddly nurser all of a sudden didn’t want me to cover her up. She thought it was funny to pull the cover off. Nursing suddenly went from long, infrequent daily sessions to short, frequent sessions.
When babies become more aware of their surroundings around 3 to 6 months, nursing can become a challenge. Babies may latch on and off, smile at mom, or even giggle. This usually happens just as your milk lets down, so of course, a little spray of milk can create another funny moment. Here are some tips on how to handle a distracted nurser:
Minimize Distractions
I typically nursed my daughter on my comfy couch in the same spot. I was usually sitting in front of my television. When your baby becomes distracted, try to move to a quiet spot. Try a quiet bedroom. Minimize sound and light. Create a calm, soothing atmosphere for baby to enjoy nursing again. This can only help momma relax and enjoy the bonding time, as well.
Change Up Your Nursing Schedule
Maybe baby would benefit more from night nursing at this stage. You would already have the quiet and dark room here. As long as baby is getting his or her calories in the 24-hour period, it doesn’t matter what time the nursing occurs. Maybe a new position would help–this is a great time to master nursing lying down. Again, make it relaxing and soothing for baby. Try nursing in motion. Maybe nurse baby in your favorite rocking chair or while walking and singing in soft, soothing tones. Figure out what works best for you and baby.
Don’t Get Discouraged!
The main thing to remember while nursing a distracted baby is that this too shall pass. Babies usually go through this stage and before you know it, they are back to normal. Don’t let it frustrate you. Offer the breast more than usual. Don’t let this time of change affect your milk supply. Kellymom has lots of valuable information if you think your supply is struggling. This could also be a perfect time to try some milkmaid tea or lactation cookies. Remember you are still taking care of your baby. They are just growing and developing right before your eyes!
So mommas, what worked for you? My daughter eventually went back to normal. I do have to admit that as much as I wish she wouldn’t move the cover, it did make for funny moments. Her little smiles and giggles up at me as she nursed are things I cherish and miss today. Enjoy the bonding time, mommas, and remember you’re doing a great job!
Karyn Meyerhoff is a mom of an 18 month old and 1 on-the-way. She nursed her daughter Johanna for 13 months and can’t wait to nurse this next baby! What an amazing experience!
When my daughter first smiled at me–a real, honest-to-goodness smile, not just gas–it melted my heart. Of course, I like to believe she’s far advanced above other children, and take pride that my third grader reads at a high-school level and has the math skills of an average fifth grader. Her cousin was born three months early and had cardiothoracic surgery at just 5 days old, and yet he is now academically on schedule if not ahead of the curve. That said, there are other areas of his development that did not fit within what most literature considers “normal.”
