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Dinner Theatre

Breastfeeding the Distracted Baby

By Shel Franco

And if a sling is not part of your infant's wardrobe, don't fret. Mary Jane Hoover, of Rochester, N.Y., the mother of six breastfed children, suggests using a warm blanket, securely wrapped, to help calm the child down.

"My top tip is to climb into a warm, relaxing bath with [baby], maybe with some essential oils in it, and nurse," says Helen Griggs, from Colchester in the United Kingdom.

For those times when a bath isn't practical or just isn't working, Griggs suggests that mothers create a relaxing atmosphere elsewhere, with "no bright lights or loud noises."

Sometimes, that relaxing atmosphere can be found snuggled up in bed. "[My son] is really active and is distracted easily," says Sara Tibbs, of Orlando, Fla. "I rarely, if ever, feed him sitting up. I take him into the bedroom. I know this is inconvenient, but I have to get him to eat somehow. I found something that works, and I am sticking to it. Besides, I get a little rest each time we nurse!"

But what should a mother do when the distraction is sleep itself? It is quite normal for babies and toddlers to fall asleep at the breast. Yet this natural occurrence can cause parents a great deal of stress, wondering if Baby is getting enough to eat.

A quick check of wet diapers should tell you that your little one is doing just fine. But in the event that your baby is sleeping through too many feedings, here are few things to try:

Want to see more?

• Breastfeed in Public: The Right Way
• Is My Baby Getting Enough Milk?
• What to Do if Your Child Refuses to Nurse
• Talk about it!