what to do when toddler wants to pop on/off constantly

3litttlebirds

What do you do when breastfeeding becomes more of a habit (or not actually feeding, but just wanting to be on the boob seemingly constantly)? I'm a SAHM and my 15 month old son wants to just pop on and off multiple times throughout the day (15 to 20x) for less than 5 seconds. I don't know if it's for comfort or out of boredom or it's become almost like a habit. I try to distract him or offer him water or cuddle him, but most of the time he gets really upset unless I let him latch. Once he does, he's off within a few seconds, but will get upset when I put my shirt back down. He is wanting to latch a lot in public too and constantly trying to pull up my shirt in public. It's becoming wearing on me. I know that he loves breastfeeding and I know that it has always been a huge source of comfort for him. He still nurses to actually feed about 4 times per day and he still nurses to sleep for naps/bedtime quite often. That I don't mind and want to continue breastfeeding until he self weans. But the popping on and off multiple times per day and fussing to do so in public so much of the time is really wearing on me. I don't want to damage the breastfeeding relationship or make him feel insecure or not comforted...but what I can do to tame the want to pop on/off for a few seconds multiple times per day? Any other suggestions besides what I'm already doing? (which is trying to distract or offering water or offering hugs)

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Beth.1212

I don't have direct experience, but what if you treated it the same way you would any other behavior you wanted to change? Let's say you do routine feedings as JandACoffee suggested. Any other time your LO wanted to nurse, you could say no, redirect your LO's attention, and be consistent / strong, repeating over and over if necessary. Maybe the redirected activity could be one where you are close to LO and cuddling, like reading a book. (Or maybe that would be worse... if he's on your lap, he's going to be near the breast and trying to get at it. Maybe do something active to really distract him, but make sure to give lots of cuddles when he's not asking for the breast.) 

Good luck! 

ella.mabel

I wonder if you established a special place for feeding?  Like, have a specific chair where you feed him.  If he wants to nurse, take him over to that chair, and be firm about only letting him nurse in that special designated location.  It will be an adjustment but maybe he will get used to the new routine?  His pic is adorable, by the way. :-)