https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Fri, 15 May 2026 12:48:58 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/bf-on-demand-is-this-normal#post-899002 Mon, 01 Jul 2013 14:27:55 +0000 katsupgirl 899002@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Navy_Mommy: a necklace is a great idea! Very convenient. A reason to shop woo hoo! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/bf-on-demand-is-this-normal#post-898741 Mon, 01 Jul 2013 13:08:07 +0000 Navy_Mommy 898741@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@katsupgirl: That works, too! I just like that I always have a necklace right there, know what I mean? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/bf-on-demand-is-this-normal#post-898731 Mon, 01 Jul 2013 13:06:39 +0000 katsupgirl 898731@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Navy_Mommy: I might have to get one. I do not like it one bit! I usually try to slip a toy or something in her hand. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/bf-on-demand-is-this-normal#post-898721 Mon, 01 Jul 2013 13:04:22 +0000 Navy_Mommy 898721@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@katsupgirl: There are theories that they squeeze the other side to try and "prep it" for nursing, lol. I wear a "nursing necklace" (just a long necklace with a wood thing on it) for him to play with when he nurses and it helps a lot. If he reaches for my other boob I sneak the necklace in his hand. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/bf-on-demand-is-this-normal#post-898717 Mon, 01 Jul 2013 13:03:06 +0000 Navy_Mommy 898717@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>It's really normal, actually (and comes up at my La Leche League meeting A LOT). As they start to realize they no longer at attached to you, they feel the need to check in more often (like @Mrs. Twine said) and the easiest, most natural, and most comforting way to reconnect is to nurse even if it's just for a second.</p> <p>I just go with it. W will also do this if we're at a playdate with a bunch of kids and he gets overwhelmed. I really like the fact that if he's feeling anxious or overwhelmed he knows he can come to me to calm down rather than have a temper tantrum or act out against the other kids (which I see a lot of hitting/biting/bad behavior when kids get overwhelmed at play groups).</p> <p>Have you tried teaching the sign for milk to avoid having him pull at your shirt? That's the ONE THING I don't tolerate when it comes to breastfeeding. I'm not ok with my kid exposing me unexpectedly to other people. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/bf-on-demand-is-this-normal#post-898674 Mon, 01 Jul 2013 12:52:55 +0000 katsupgirl 898674@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@FutureMrsMcK: the squeezing on the other side is so uncomfortable! My DD is driving me nuts too! I think it's teething and other things so I'm not trying to curtail too much. I'm going to have to something about her public behavior before it gets super embarrassing. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/bf-on-demand-is-this-normal#post-898472 Mon, 01 Jul 2013 11:52:24 +0000 Mrs. Twine 898472@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My girls were both like that. Other than working with them on asking in appropriate ways, I didn't really try to curb it. I found that both girls nursed less when we were out and about versus just at home. </p> <p>I think the function of this particular nursing behavior is to "touch base" while playing and exploring. Seems like they want to check in, make sure their safe person is still there, get a little comfort, and then they are ready for the next thing. I would say if it doesn't bother you, then no worries, and if it does, try to think about what would be more acceptable to you and come up with some ideas of how to get there. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/bf-on-demand-is-this-normal#post-898444 Mon, 01 Jul 2013 11:44:36 +0000 T.H.O.U. 898444@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I agree that he shouldnt be pulling your shirt down, but we did a don't offer/don't refuse approach at this age. </p> <p>When she was around 16 months I also cut her back to just at bedtime. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/bf-on-demand-is-this-normal#post-898419 Mon, 01 Jul 2013 11:38:04 +0000 lovehoneybee 898419@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>E is almost 11 months old and is BF on demand, but lately the frequency has just gotten ridiculous. He does one really great nursing session in the morning (both sides), and before bed. Then during the day he wants to constantly be latched on. Like...several times an hour ("drive-by nursing"). </p> <p>He'll be playing, then will come up and try to pull my shirt down. I'll tell him no and redirect him (because I don't want to get into the habit of doing it and then doing it in public) and after a few minutes I'll offer. He'll nurse on one side and squeeze the other nipple, then switch sides. Over and over. 3-4 times an hour. </p> <p>Is this normal? Should I try to be curtailing this behavior somehow and put him on a more structured nursing schedule? I think he's getting enough to eat, but I feel more like a cow than I ever have... </p>