[MommaColleen]

Emma has a new trick...and it isn't a good one

In the middle of eating she will stretch, spin her head around, look around, etc...all with my nip still in her mouth. It really hurts and she has quite a grip that I have trouble getting her loose. Any tips? I'm afraid she is going to rip it off one of these times

[purelegance]

izzy does this. normally when she's lost interest and is just ready to be burped and lulled to sleep. if she does it once, i'll let it go. the second time i take her off for a few minutes to let her figure out if she wants it or not. may not be the BEST piece of advice, but it works.

[wanttobemommy]

Jaxon does this too. He does it just as he is about to be done. I would try and get her to unlatch too as it isnt the most comfortable feeling. If she is still hungry then she will relatch on.

[twinzplus3]

I'm sorry. . .how old is Emma?

[twinzplus3]

Okay I just looked it up. . .Emma is around 6 weeks--right? Try holding her differently. If you're cradling use the football hold. When she's not bfing, but awake, try holding her so that the length of your arm is up her back and the bottom of her head and neck are in the palm of your hands. If you are doing it right, you should be able to completely control her head. (I find it easier to learn how it's supposed to go when they're not nursing.) When she is nursing then, hold her head so that you can control it. If she starts to pull away, just don't let her. I hope that makes sense. I also have to say that before taking her off every time she does it, I would try smashing her face into your breast. She should automatically readjust her latch and hopefully less painfully too. If that doesn't work let me know, I have one other trick up my sleeve, but readjusting the hold is generally much more effective.

[MommaColleen]

Glad to hear I'm not alone. I was beginning to think she was trying to break it off.

Thanks Val, I will give that hold a try!

[twinzplus3]

No--that's a really, really common problem. And some moms just let it go and then wonder why their nipples are sore. Just remember pain is NEVER a normal part of breastfeeding and most problems are common and have fixes! We're here for you!

Don't be surprised by the way if she prefers one position on one side and a different position on a different side!

[QueenAngie]

Valerie gives great tips and examples on BF. She is our expert on Families.com.





Gently stick part of your clean finger in her mouth (just a little way) to break the suction and it won't hurt to unlach her.

[mommy2067]

Originally Posted by QueenAngie

Valerie gives great tips and examples on BF. She is our expert on Families.com.





Gently stick part of your clean finger in her mouth (just a little way) to break the suction and it won't hurt to unlach her.

Great minds do think alike (haven't we done this dance before Angie??)...I was going to suggest the same thing...worked like a charm for me when my babes did that "stretch-beyond-where-any-nip-should-go" stunt!!!

[QueenAngie]

See, even if we are not presently BF,
we have lots of experienced Mommies who have BF their babies.

I remember that ouch! ouch! ouch! well myself.

So glad we think alike, Heather!