Happy Thanksgiving!

I had some definite memories come back as I read your post. My daughter is almost 2 now. I remember when she started to want to switch from side to side while nursing all the time. And how distracted she used to get.

Your son's probably not eating or drinking anything else yet. When my daughter was old enough to take water in a sippy cup or eat, I would offer her something else to eat or drink if she was nursing erratically. I would calmly explain if something was uncomfortable. But, for the most part, if we're at home I let her nurse however she wants. In public, we don't do 'bare-bare' - which is when she likes to have my whole shirt up instead of using the nursing openings. She usually understands this and is happy to comply. I explain to her that I feel embarrassed if someone I don't know sees my breasts, and that I need her help to keep covered up. Seems to have sunken in over all these months. But, really, I try to remember that my most important goal is that we have a great nursing relationship, and I am forever grateful for this, even if a few strangers have seen things I didn't want them to see.

So, anyways, I guess my advice is to see if he is wanting something else - attention in some other way, or (when he's older) something like water - and to calmly explain if you don't like something that he's doing and tell him how you'd prefer he do it (he certainly doesn't know unless you tell him). He'll understand, and, over time, he will gradually adopt the habits you teach.

That's what I thought - that he would adopt better eating habits with time and age. I do explain to him when he does something I don't like - like when he pinches me!!

Thanks for the tips with the water - he doesn't eat or drink anything yet - well water out of my glass a couple times - he was so curious - and the bath water!!! But nothing really yet - maybe I will try his own cup of water in a few weeks or so and see if that helps.

I recently read too how they may just be thirsty as opposed to hungry and just want to suck for a very short time to quench their thirst too - so maybe when he's on/off on/off - that's all he wanted.

you're LO may do well w/a nursing necklace, too. maybe he just needs something to do w/his hands while nursing. you could also try a special toy reserved just for nursing time.

yea it's hard to change a 5month yrolds habits!!

LOL! I have tried giving him a toy but he just pulls away and shoves it in his mouth!!!

I've thought about the nursing necklace though - good idea - thanks!

I'd say try the nursing necklace too. A friend of mine just got one and says she loves it.