Hi my name is Tracy, I am bfeading my 4 month old. Recently she hasn't been eating as much and tends to get really distracted when trying to nurse, plus on top of that she is teething. Any suggestions on how to keep her feeding longer and making sure she's getting enough to eat?

Tracy - posted on 10/31/2008

Thank you Ashley! I have heard of those necklaces. It's funny my sister in law told me about them and we kind of laughed about it, but now we are both like wow, maybe it would help!!!!!! Once you think you know your child something always seems to change and then your like who is this baby. I just know she's changing again and growing up and just to work with her. So thank you for your adivice, it totally helps!

Ashley - posted on 10/30/2008

I found great advice at the la leche league website. At about this time, Babies can get just what the need in a fraction of the time so it only seems that they arent getting enough. Also, sometimes after you are done feeding babies get fussy. That doesnt necessarily mean that they are still hungry, sometimes it means they just want to be held and comforted. Some other helpful advice i received, because my son just went through the same thing, was a thing called a nursing necklace. Its made up of different coloured and shaped beads that helps keep their attention. My son is very easily distracted so i have to nurse somewhere nice and quiet with no distractions.
good luck!

Tracy - posted on 10/30/2008

Thanks for all advice to all of you! It always helps knowing that you aren't the only one and to ask for help, I'm definately still learning that one!

Laney - posted on 10/30/2008

As long as she's gaining weight and having wet diapers, she should be fine :) My oldest never nursed for longer than 5-10 mins at a time.

Rachel - posted on 10/30/2008

my daughter did the same thing even now she only drinks about 4 times a day for about 3-5 minutes, you will know ur baby is getting enough by his or her weight :)

Ellen - posted on 10/30/2008

My 5 1/2 month old has the same problem occasionally. She nurses better when it's quiet and when I'm in the laying down position. Putting on soft music like yoga music usually helps her, especially at night to relax and nurse.

Tara - posted on 10/30/2008

Mine started that at that age as well. So many new things to see and do! Plus, he always nurses every two hours, my other one would take 4 hour breaks, so she may or may not need to nurse as often. I did have to start nursing in private to make him actually do it. At home in the living room, or outside was just too much stimulation. So, forget public, he wanted to see what was going on. Also, don't know how you feel or the medical requirements your doc has set, but I always feed when they are hungry and stop when they are full. From day one. They set the schedule. Best way for them to know that when they get older. :) Sometimes, they need more sleep, sometimes, they need more food. Also, some people start food at this age. I did with the first and he went to town. My second, didn't really care for it until 6 months. Good luck!