Why does 13 mo old switch sides every 15-30 seconds

[lkmiscnet]

I am able to BF my DS on both breasts while side lying without having to switch to my other side, so he has free access to either one during the night, since we co-sleep.

He has taken up the position of draping himself over my belly to nurse on one breast, and then will lay back down (or I help him) belly to belly to nurse off the one closest to the bed. I think he likes laying across my chest for the closeness. If he's starting to fall asleep, I'll gently move him to my side without delatching him.

However, what he has been doing lately is switching sides every 15-20 seconds. He'll nurse off one and twiddle with the other then realize he wants the one he's twiddling with...If I try to keep him on the breast he was on, he'll start crying in frustration that it's not the one he wanted. He'll typically do this to the point where I don't hear any significant swallowing, so I know he's emptying them. He'll finally stop as he's drifting off to sleep.

I don't detect a difference in swallowing, so I don't think it's a supply difference between the two. You would think one was chocolate and one was vanilla flavored and he just can't decide which flavor he wants!

I don't know if this is something I should discourage or just let him be, which I have been doing.

I'm just curious for any logical explanation for this. Maybe just a short attention span and just wanting the one he's playing with like a kid in a candy store wanting it all?

[PatioGardener]

I have heard that it can stimulate let downs. Personally, I think they do it because they can and it's fun!

[Xavismom]

My DS does this every time we nurse in the tub. I think he does it because like PP said, he can, and he thinks its fun. He ususally laughs while he switches back and forth, I think its hillarious.

[sapientia]

My toddler does this...he loves it. Sometimes he talks to them, too...

[pumpkinhead]

He could be trying to keep himself awake.

[mtchen79]

My younger DD does this...from what I can tell, she does this because she can, knowing that there's probably milk on the other side and just needs to have a little bit of everything since she is used to having to share this (and everything else) with her sister.

[cchrissyy]

sounds like a game! if it's bugging you, cover the other side so he has to focus on the only available one.

[lkmiscnet]

If I try to cover up one side, he tries to pry my hand/cover off. It is funny.

No biggie though...it doesn't bother me. I was just curious as to why he might be doing it and if I should discourage it.

My first thought was that he might not be getting enough hindmilk if he nursed "unevenly" on both sides, but I think he switches sides enough times that he's fine.

[KistheMum]

Thanks for this post. Was glad to see it. I'm experiencing the exact same thing.

[Amanda L]

Originally Posted by KistheMum

Thanks for this post. Was glad to see it. I'm experiencing the exact same thing.

This exactly.

[Thing1Thing2]

ME too! DS is 26 months now, and it used to not bother me at all but now it's getting annoying having him climbing all over me to switch sides every few seconds. I really think for him, its more than a game. I think it has something to do with my supply, though I can't figure out what! Thanks for this thread. At least I know I'm not the only one.