Nursing Manners

[candelaria80]

I am curious, for those of you that nurse beyond infancy how and when do you introduce nursing manners?

LO is 11 months old and has began an annoying habit of hitting my breast or pulling on my shirt when she wants to nurse. Is she too young to begin to teach her another way? I never did the signing thing (wish I did next babe I guess) She is beginning to talk, and can say milk, but it is usually accompanied by the hitting or pulling.

Can anyone clue me in on how to change this behavior?

[lifeguard]

Consistency. At around 8 or 9 months I started holding ds' hand still when he tried to pinch or relocating it to his ear. And when he started getting really wiggling & trying to do gymnastics while nursing I started putting him on the floor & tell him that when he is ready to lie/sit still he can nurse.

He learned fairly quickly but it did take many repetitions & even now at 21 months I still have to remind him of the "rules". It's worth it though 'cause nursing is still comfortable for both of us.

[phathui5]

I would tell my kids, "Shirt down" and put my shirt back down. You can hold their hand or give them something else to hold instead.

[livinlovinlaughin]

My son was older when he started touching me when wanting to nurse. I was not fond of this when he did this in public. Everytime he did it I would put my finger on my mouth and tap it to my mouth. Eventually he repeated me. As soon as he did I would say "oh you want to nurse! Thank you for using your manners" then I would immeditely nurse him. He does good now but I do have to occasionally remind him. He is now 21 months. Now when he asks that way I say Tthank you for asking politely". I think it is a great way to introduce and teach manners and respect and love.

[Katie T]

Originally Posted by livinlovinlaughin

My son was older when he started touching me when wanting to nurse. I was not fond of this when he did this in public. Everytime he did it I would put my finger on my mouth and tap it to my mouth. Eventually he repeated me. As soon as he did I would say "oh you want to nurse! Thank you for using your manners" then I would immeditely nurse him. He does good now but I do have to occasionally remind him. He is now 21 months. Now when he asks that way I say Tthank you for asking politely". I think it is a great way to introduce and teach manners and respect and love.

Good idea, I never really though of teaching nursing manners (with ds I didn't need them some how) but with DD2 it is not pretty and just talking with her doesn't help but this may be "fun" enough that it may help.