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Attachment Parenting
WildcatPrincess
member
DD hit DS while nursing, suggestions
WildcatPrincess
member
So far it has been an isolated incident, but DH was home and able to remove her from the situation, I'm just looking to be prepared for if it happens again while he's at work. Normally she sits next to me and rubs DS's head or feet while we read or watch an episode of her favorite show (I made busy bags for this, she has no interest in them), but the other night she yelled "no, bad baby" and smacked him on the head when he latched on. My husband immediately removed her and told her no hitting. I didn't do or say anything differently that I can think of to make her think he was being bad, the rabbit is the only thing we've ever referred to as bad. DH suggested putting her in the crib for time out, but I don't want to use bed as punishment (we've never done time out before so don't have an established area for it). Would it be best just to move DS and myself away from her if it happens again?
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Re: DD hit DS while nursing, suggestions
I don't let Lily touch Carly at all while I am nursing her. I just feel like everyone is entitled to a little space when they are eating- even if they are a small baby.
Sounds like you need a distraction during nursing. A friend of mine has a bag/box of little toys (dollar store stuff) for her DS to play with while she is nursing her DD- stuff he is ONLY allowed to play with when she is nursing.
I personally give timeouts for hitting...especially when the child is nearly 2 years old. Even if it is an expression of jealousy, I don't want my kids to EVER think hitting is ok in any circumstance. I use redirection for most situations, but not when my child is trying to hurt someone else.
Lily goes to her room for time outs and we have never had any problems with bad associations. If you think your DD will sit on a step or a spot on the floor, you could try that, but it never worked for us and just caused her to get out of control upset.
It is all how you portray the time out. For us, I explain she is taking some time to calm down, catch her breath, and regroup (in more toddler friendly speak)- trying to make it something that sort of benefits her too. She does not always view it that way, but that is ok because sometimes she does get it.
GL with whatever you decide. I KNOW how hard it is...even though Lily is older, she still acts out a LOT while I am nursing and has totally figured out that that is the time to try and get away with things. LOL They are too smart for their own good.
I imagine that I will be dealing with these things myself in just a few months! Here are some ideas that I could see myself doing...Can you nurse baby in a carrier when she is around so all three of you have a bit more mobility? I'm guessing it is possible at two weeks, but I will be honest and say thay I didn't try it until DS was 5 weeks.
From mainstream childcare mode, I would say that timeout makes sense. But, I wonder how sustainable timeouts are when your DH isn't around to help enforce them; you'll have to interupt the feeding to put her in place which then rewards her with your time and focus (via negative attention). From an AP standpoint, I think that filling DDs "attachment tank" might help, perhaps before the feeding or any time you can get a moment to spend time alone with her or maybe even via wearing her on your back when baby can be put down and you want to do a few dishes or something (albiet at 2 weeks post-partum that sounds exhausting)? Other ideas...a doll that she can nurse while you nurse, you read to her while you nurse, practice gentle hands.
GL and please let us know what helps!
More Green For Less Green
I agree that a time out would be hard to enforce while you are nursing. I think it would be easier just to reinforce gentle touches, and maybe not let her constantly touch the baby while you are nursing. I think the baby might appreciate that as well. Could you sit in a chair so that your DD can't be right next to you while nursing?