He's killing me!

[webfoot]

It's not the teeth he's gotten, although I've been bit a couple times.

His new thing is he gets his little hands on each side of my breast and starts pinching me. I have cut the fingernails down to the quick but he still packs a punch, I have scratchmarks all over my boob! I've been trying to divert him with something in his hand to grab, or just holding his hand, but i can only grasp the hand on top, not the one on the bottom. I finally swaddled him last night b/c I just couldn't take it anymore!  Maybe I need to get a nursing necklace so he has something to fondle. But this pinching is driving me crazy and causing a great deal of pain and irritation.  Please tell me this phase will pass quickly b/c it may do in our breastfeeding.

[Schae]

Ds does this too. I change positions so that his hands are on my clothes. Or I hold his hands.. but you're right about that not working.

The swaddle sounds good?

[Erin (redstarfalling)]

Oooooh!  I HATED that phase!  Dd still does it occasionally, but, like with biting, I would firmly tell her know and move her hands.  Or take her attention otherwise - looking at her, singing, etc.  I DID find it got better, though! :?

[GraceKellysmom]

I agree it is a HORRIBLE phase for those who experience it (I don't remember G doing this but M!)

We use a teddy to cuddle instead of pinching, it really does help.

[annamum]

We used a toy that was reserved for nursing only. The Duckie became her favorite toy, it is her lovey now, she still wants to have it when we nurse.

And yes, it is a phase  :wink:, it will pass.

[Colleen]

What about those little mittens you can put on newborns to keep them from scratching themself? Would those work until the phase is over?

[webfoot]

Oh Colleen that is such a good idea! Or even a pair of socks, I might try that.

Dh saw my breast today and was like "what the heck happened to you!" tiny little scratches all over it. Those little baby nails sure can be sharp! I never made it this far with the other two to enjoy this phase.

But I'll tell you he is about the cutest little thing in the world when he nurses. He demands my complete attention and now pops off and gives grumpy looks to anyone who tries to talk to me while he's nursing. And when he's ready to nurse he is all over me, grabbing and pulling and try to suck on any part of me he can get his mouth on. It's so darn cute. And he is so spoiled about being able to basically nurse on demand. He doesn't abuse it so I haven't had to put my foot down yet. It's just the pinching... UGH!