Breastfeeding Your Older Baby
We all know that breastfeeding a newborn comes with unique challenges. Latch problems, low milk supply, cracked nipples, and engorgement are all common. But what happens when you’ve got those problems figured out? What happens when your not-so-new baby surprises you with new tricks and troubles in nursing?
Many of the most commonly talked about breastfeeding problems occur in the first 12 weeks. After that, many women describe a “honeymoon” period where breastfeeding seems easier. Both mom and baby have hit their stride and things settle down.
Of course, as with many other baby phases, just as you get complacent, your child will change things on you. The next changes in breastfeeding often come between 5 and 6 months. The introduction of solids can make a mess of a breastfeeding. Other developmental milestones such as object permanence, sleep changes, and moving can all affect your nursing relationship.Your baby is also more aware of, and distracted by, their environment
Here are some common breastfeeding problems in older babies, and ways to help:
The Twist and Pull
No need to do breast compressions anymore! Your adorable helper will compress your breast on their own. Then twist and pull your breast tissue. Ouch! Try wrapping a light blanket over their torso to keep their arm down. You can also hold their hand to keep it away from your breast.
The Scratching Post
Your cutie two legged child has suddenly turned into a razor clawed cat and your breast is a scratching post! Tame those claws by pulling out those infant scratch mittens (you thought they were to keep the baby from scratching the self? HA!). You can also try using the pull up, pull down clothing method (pull your top layer up, and your bottom layer down). This exposes less skin and hopefully keeps your little velociraptor from drawing bloodThe Dentist
Turns out your cutie pie is well on their way to their chosen profession: dentist! Unfortunately for you, baby fingers in your mouth, clawing at your gums is an uncomfortable experience at best. Better to wait until they finish preschool before letting them perform dental surgery. Try a nursing necklace to give them something to hold.
The Exorcist
You are comfortably cuddling and nursing when out of nowhere your baby’s head swivels 180 degrees. That would be fine, except your nipple is still in their mouth! As baby becomes more aware of their environment, and less single-minded about food, they will become distracted by nursing. You can try a more upright position so they can see more (without turning your nipple into a venti sized straw) or you can go to a quieter space a such as a bedroom with the curtains drawn, or a nursing room in a mall.
The Chomper
It’s the day you’ve been dreading; teeth! They are sharp, and boy do babies like to use them. By the time your baby gets teeth, they likely have some understanding of cause and effect; if they bite, unlatch and put them down for a moment. They will learn that biting stops the milk. Also ensure you are creating a deep latch, it’s a lot harder to bite when there is more breast tissue in their mouth.
Remember that everything is temporary. These nursing behaviours will stop as fast as they started. Breastfeeding is a relationship and you should be comfortable throughout as well. Use these tips to help ensure that nursing your older baby creates memories to be cherished, not ones you are desperate to forget!
Image by David D.