Breastfeeding boys

Have you tried a football or rugby hold? I'm a rather busty lady and I had no other option when feeding both my boys. I never had any kicking issues on the bell because their feet were behind me. I also used the Breast Friend pillow which was so helpful!!

It’s normal for them to do this it’s how they form a bond with you. Put a pillow inbetween you and him . I’ve had this same exact thing with both my babies. With my second baby it was so painful I started pumping.

@Heather He hates these positions but when he’s in them his feet are out my way yes but his hands, he’ll wave them about scratch my face grab at my nipples try and pull my nose ring out, I really don’t understand if it’s not his feet it’s his hands it’s upsetting me so much i don’t know why he wants to pinch and scratch at me and kick me i’ve just had to put him in his next to me and walk away and come in the bathroom i feel like an awful mum for leaving him but i can’t cope

Reaching up an grabbing and pulling is their way of exploring as well as building a bond with you. I had a lot of the same frustrations with my son, and although it’s normal it’s still very painful and difficult to sit through. Especially if he’s hurting your incision site, I would recommend trying different positions that keep him away from the area and utilizing a feeding pillow to create a barrier between him and that sensitive area. As for the face scratching, socks on his hands or gently holding his hands would be the things I did to help with that. At the end of the day though, your mental state is the most important thing for you and your baby, so if you need to put him down or feed him a different way, then you can and you don’t feel guilty about it.

I always keep my hair up in a ponytail, bun, or braid and I only wear nose/ear rings that have no room for baby to grab, otherwise I take them out. My only other suggestions would be to swaddle before a feeding, or perhaps pumping to bottle feed. My son didn’t grab during feeds, but he definitely flailed and kicked so much it was becoming too difficult, so I ended up swaddling him for his feeds

I’m 16 weeks post C-section I can relate! I had a lot of troubles when he’s upset with getting kicked in the stomach and it is very painful! I used a feeding pillow to protect my lower belly when it was sore! As for the wandering hands I made it fun I would kiss his hands as he brought them up to my face. You never have to feel guilty about having to walk away and have a moment! These days can be difficult and you never should feel bad about it! It’s best to always take a breath when you’ve reached your limits! It you need someone to talk to feel free to message me! It can be so hard but you are never alone🥰

I agree with maybe trying to have him in a hands free swaddle also could talk to an LC to help with positions

@Ana yes this is what we do, especially during night feeds, it’s when he kicks my belly the most in this position

Maybe try to have his swaddled when feeding him

Yes 🫣 I had to change out all my earrings to studs and always put my hair up ugh

I did the football hold, I don’t think they could really get a kick in this way! Good luck!

Hey, it sounds like you're getting a little touched out so I just wanted to say, that's absolutely ok. It's absolutely ok to walk away for a few mins, it's absolutely ok to not enjoy this process. There's lots of reasons the little tyke is kicking and punching and I won't add to the long lists you've already received, other than: gas? My son always thrashed when even a tiny gas bubble was trapped. It's never ending the problems we have to solve 😂 but do look after you as well. You've had major surgery, it's natural to feel miffed you're being kicked towards your scar! He's working out his little body but that doesn't help you. Just know it's ok to feel absolutely done in with the whole thing. You're doing great

I just want to add, please do not feel you cannot be alone with your baby purely because you are getting frustrated. It's completely normal, and a comment about being on the safe side was probably made without due consideration about the general ups and downs of our emotions daily.

Try laying on your side in bed, pillow someways across your sensitive area and attach him xx

I know it’s not really approved of by hospitals, but try swaddling him while feeding, I had the same issue (not c section) but I had bladder and uterus problems afterwards and him kicking made it worse and the nipple grabbing and scratching don’t even get me started!! Especially the fussy positions! Only way I could stop it was to swaddle him while feeding till I was healed well enough now he just tickles me when I try to feed him

https://keababies.com/blogs/keamommies-blog/why-do-babies-hit-while-nursing

They are necklace available for breastfeeding mums that give baby something to hold when latched on . This can be a necklace you already have that’s long and has a big pendent on it a large ring works best