Hun, you are doing a really great job. There are so many things going on with babies at this age. Their brains are going through a rapid period of development, they are really alert and suddenly much more aware of everything around them, and they are gearing up to become mobile.

Often babies who have been sleeping through start waking at that age, and those that were already waking wake more often. Much research has been done into this and it seems it's at least partly related to the neurological development. You will probably also find that the night wakings continue, or increase, once he is about ready to crawl, and again with standing, and at this age, if he's not already sitting this could be part of what is going on. When babies are approaching a new milestone, or have just learnt the new skill, instead of self-settling when they stir, they wake up fully to keep practising their new activity. This is really normal and is part of how they learn.

The fussing during feeds is another thing that is common at this age. It seems to be mostly related to distraction, as you have guessed. Sometimes mums find that feeding in a quiet, darkened room can help, and feeding in a warm bath can also work. Often a breastfeeding necklace to keep the baby's focus on you helps too. If all else fails, babies generally feed better when sleepy at this age, so feeding Sam before he's fully awake, or as he's dozing off, or even during his light sleep cycle can work. It can be very worrying to know whether they are getting enough milk - but rest assured babies will drink what they need at that age. They are very effective at draining the breast quickly so he is probably getting more milk than you realise.

It sounds to me like you are doing a great job of knowing when to feed Sam. Babies are often hungry before they show the real signs of hunger so most mums are in the same position that you are. If it has been more than three hours since Sam fed, or if he shows any signs, or if it is nap time (see the point above about feeding when sleepy), then offering a feed is a good idea. You might even offer a feed because you'll be going out soon and now is convenient. There is no harm in offering - if he doesn't want it he won't take it. And if you don't offer in time he will show you sooner or later that he's hungry. Just keep going with what's working for you hun - you really are doing very well.