Flailing Hands
For some mother’s their child’s flailing hands can present a challenge for latch. A hungry baby can sometimes be their own worst enemy by batting at and inadvertently pushing the breast away.
There are several strategies you can try if flailing hands becomes a problem. First you might try giving your baby some time to massage and feel your breast as this is a normal behavior, though in this case it may take some additional time for them to quiet down and be ready to eat.
Another way is when you are holding your baby front, try sliding your child’s body closer to the opposite breast and snuggling her belly closer. By shifting your baby’s body position slightly toward the breast you are not offering will keep their hands from reaching your breast and the feeding should go more smoothly.If you are holding your baby against your side, pull them further back.
Another way is to use a baby blanket to swaddle your baby and make them a “baby burrito”. This is a great way to keep their hands down and out of the way, out of trouble. When using this approach it is a good idea to undress your baby down to their diaper to that they don’t get overheated and fall asleep too quickly.
