Distracted during nursing

[aegis2005]

Over the past few day's S has become very distracted during nursing.  He's looking all around, kicking his feet and flailing his arms.  He pulls back his head and brings my nipple with it.  OUCH.  Any suggestions on keeping him focused (and my nipples in one piece)?

[jen812]

Are you in a quiet place? Have you tried draping a blanket over your shoulder?

[kimandross]

They go through different phases like that, its often because one sense or another is kicking in better. I agree with Jen, quiet, darkish place, maybe where there is not much to look at, like he's facing a wall or something.

[sara76]

I became the queen of getting her unmatched quickly when she would go through those stages. I just kind of always held a hand nearby and on guard and paid close attention to her cues. A little massage on her leg if she was very tense to mellow her. A dark room. I had to start hiding my cell phone when she started becoming more aware of her surroundings. I also found that I get her unlatched better by plugging her nose then the finger in her mouth. When their nose is very gently pinched closed their instinct is to open their mouth. Of course when it comes to distraction ain't nobody got time for that, but it might help. These phases go as quickly as they come too so hang in there.

[mskateb]

I don't know if it's what you're "supposed" to do or not, but sometimes I'll just take him off for a few seconds and try to give him a burp. If he's hungry, he gets pissed off and will get back to business right away.

I also find that I'm pretty sure I offer the boob too much. I think I misread anything for hunger. When he's really, truly hungry he's all about the boob. But I'd rather err on the side of feeding him.