Will only BF while sitting...is this typical?Will it ever change?

[tstasko]

Hi,
For the past 4 weeks or so my DD will only BF while sitting.  Is this what typically happens at this age (1yo last week)?

What she does is she sits with her little legs straddled on either side of me, and I have the boppy behind her.....it's very cozy and she snuggles with me, and that's wonderful.  She seems to like this way because she no longer likes to empty one breast at a time, but will instead switch off for the entire feed until finished.  (is that strange as well?).   This is completely different then the way we've BF up until now. BTW, I say "little legs" but she is very long (30 inches  )- perhaps this is just more comfortable?

The only issue I am finding is that it is starting to bother my right breast a bit.  Along with the position, she has 3 new top teeth, with a 4th on the way, and I have to be very conscious about the latch, but inevitably there is some discomfort.  Relatching usually fixes that though.

I tried laying her on her side tonight, and that lasted for about 15 seconds .  I don't mind really, but do kind of miss the really really cozy snuggles. 
I mean, she is going and growing up on me so fast, I can only deal with so many changes!    Really though, is this just a position preference for her and I just need to deal w/it?  Is my little baby asserting her independence and letting her individual preferences shine thought.  If so, I say good for you Scarlett, and waaaah, all in the same breath.  lol.

Any input would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks,
Tari

[Samuel's mum]

Very typical. Including the 'switch nursing' which is used instinctively to stimulate new letdowns and stimulate supply. It's not strange at all.

Just make sure you are happy about it because although it's great she asserting her independence nursing is a relationship and if it is uncomfortable for you it's good for her to begin to develop skills in empathy. There are other ways to make it fun too - like under a blanket tent or on a cushion mountain.

Relatching to deal with new teeth is also quite common you'll find things adjust I'm sure. The discomfort usually goes away once they've adjusted.

You'll probably find next month she'll be on to something else! The picture below is a postcard sold by baby milk action!

Good for you for getting to 12 months BTW - yay!

[tstasko]

LOL out the postcard, that's great......probably be us next!

Thank you for the reassurance and suggestions Emma, makes me feel MUCH better.

Good for you for getting to 12 months BTW - yay!

Thank you!  We are very happy about that. 

Thanks again,
Tari

[binxyboo]

That's a great photo. Riley also switch fed a lot, liked to feed more upright as he got bigger, esp when teething this seemed to be the most comfortable for him. Although he never bit me, I found he adjusted his latch slightly before each new tooth came in, which was uncomfortable, but it went back to normal after the tooth broke through. In some ways, it felt like feeding a newborn again, making sure his mouth was wide open each time and praying he's latch on okay before each feed.

[tstasko]

In some ways, it felt like feeding a newborn again, making sure his mouth was wide open each time and praying he's latch on okay before each feed.

Yes!  That's exactly how I feel!

[ladyboggess]

my ds only likes to nurse in the typical horizontal position.  The problem is he also wants to be on the same level as my breasts, which the boppy allows beautifully.  Unfortunately, the boppy can't go with us everywhere so he fights it. As if nursing in public or away from home were easy, this just makes it great!!! Good  luck changing your lo.  They certainly are opinionated little bundles of joy!!

[binxyboo]

Then we went throught the "only nurse while lying on a bed" stage.....

[tstasko]

I miss the lying in bed feeds.  I tried a couple of weeks ago.  I swear she laughed at me!  She will, no joke. stand up and then bend over at the waist to eat when I try now.  It's hysterical.  My DH was going to give me a sleep in day on the weekend, so he brought her in so that she could eat and then take her and I could go back to sleep.. HA!  It was way more work trying to keep up w/her gymnastics.  But worth every single giggle and laugh! 

Ladyboggess:  I know what you mean about needing the boppy.  The times we didn't have it when we were out and about I improvised if needed.  Have you tried to use a balled up sweater, or the diaper bag (with all hard edge things out of it of course!    That might help.  I remember my first Mom's Club meeting, I had never BF before in public and I BROUGHT my boppy with me!  My DD was about 3 months at the time.  My friends and I still get a good chuckle out of that.  Hey - whatever works!!