Pls help me work this out.

I dont even know where to start with this and I am horrifed at myself for even thinking it, so here goes. After the incident of thinking DD was weaning and being devastated she started feeding again with a vengance and then yet another problem surfaced :shakehead: I feel like such a pain in the butt! DD feeds about 3 times a day but after her illness she was feeding 9 times (more than as a newborn even). I found myself feeling physically sick by it, breaks my heart to think I did but I did, I was almost to the point of gagging :( WTF is wrong with me???? I know its the most natural thing in the world and I want to feed my child but I just felt so sick about it. DH is the only person who supports our BF journey, do you think Im being wittled (sp?) down by everyone else?? Im no longer feeling sick at the prospect of feeding my child but its something I am very worried will come back again. She has also started to literally claw at me when she wants a feed, like I have claw marks down my chest and if I ask her to wait she hits me or throws herself...gee sounds like an awesome kid, hey?? She isnt usually like this but Im really panicking if shes like this now what the hell will she be like during the 2 year old stage (although I know thats a Q for another thread)...just on struggle street and need some help lovely people :(
eta: I have tried distracting her when she keeps clawing at me until I can sit to feed her.
Thanks xxx

She's just been sick - even if she had weaned she would still be constantly wanting you at the moment. If she was weaned she would probably still try and hit you when she didn't get what she wanted....

It may be time to put some effort into breastfeeding manners now - she can learn to ask nicely, especially if she's starting to put words together. She can certainly start to learn that hitting mum gets her put on the floor for a few minutes (or whatever your version may be).
She can learn to wait a little bit - especially if you distract lots and lots.

I've always found that the best fix for this is to get out and about lots for a few days, so bub is too busy to want to feed unless she is actually hungry.

good luck!

Hello Lily Dust

It is very interesting that you should post this question today. Just this morning on my FB this concern came up in a link: Sadness While Breastfeeding? It's a Real Medical Condition | Strollerderby
It may or may not be relevant to what you describe.

Your little one is just a little younger than mine (he is 19 mths now). I have found that teething increases his need to nurse, particularly over night. It is reassuring to know that BM contains pain relieving properties, as well as the nutritional and immunological benefits (all the more reassuring when they lose their appetite for solids).

The clawing at you, whilst not very nice, is probably the best way she knows how to communicate her needs. Similar to what Kmn says above, talking to her - giving her words to express herself - might help. When my little guy is insistant, I feel a bit put upon. It is different when they are a newborn, but as a toddler...well I understand how you feel. As with all things difficult in mothering "this too will pass", you are doing a wonderful thing for her.

Don't forget that the Breastfeeding Helpline (1800 MUM 2 MUM) can help answer these sorts of questions too.

I agree with everything Kmn said.

She sounds exactly like my DS. He has always been a frequent feeder, and it doesn't seem to be wavering. A normal day for us when I'm not at work, can consist of up to 9 or 10 feeds. Some of those are just for comfort or for lack of anything else to I think sometimes :p He also wakes between 5 and god knows how many times through the night.
I think you feeling sick is probably a lot to do with not having any personal space, for lack of a better term. I find it really draining sometimes it's not enough he wants to be with me every second but on high demand BF days it's like you're being smothered and just need some room to breathe!! I've heard myself thinking, "just get the **** off me please" and then feeling sooo guilty :(
I have the scratch marks too, and get hit also :( I've taken to wearing a band aide on a little raised mole in the middle of my chest that is now sore from the relentless picking, and when I ask him not to touch it and move his hand I get kicked or hit:wall: He also likes to touch my face, but he ends up with his fingers jammed up my nostrils, or wants to touch my eye, which means poke the finger into the corner with force.
I know exactly where you're coming from :hug::hug: some days I feel like enough is enough!!!!

I do find going out or having people over to keep him distracted really helpful. After a day where it's not just constant you you you I find it much more of a pleasure again.

I do love it though, just some days are really hard!!
Hang in there if you want to keep going with lots of distraction, which can also be exhausting, it can still be enjoyable, and here's hoping this is a stage that will pass...soon! :goodluck:

She also might be trying to build up your supply if she was on a nursing strike for a few days. Can you take her to bed, strip down to undies and have a long boobie session? It sounds like you both need some reconnection. Otherwise, it is a good time to start putting boundaries around feeding and your body. I found feeding dd only in bed cut back on her demands because she didn't want to interrupt her play that much...

Clawing hurts, and I would be placing her on the ground with a 'gentle hands only' rule about feeding. A feeding necklace can also help distract fidgety hands.

Hth. We all have feeding aversion days...take it easy on yourself.

I am doing baby sign language, just focussing on the sign for 'milk' that i use for a BF. DD is starting to copy me when i do it, and she smiles that lets me know she is up for a feed. I am hoping it will help as she gets older that she can sign when she wants a feed, rather than the claw. Is this something you would be interested in?

Huge hugs babe, that sounds really stressful for you - and your little one.

The best thing i can think of is giving the ABA helpline a call. I am sure that they'd be able to help you - especially with how you've been feeling about it all.

:hug: :hug: