In a message dated 98-02-12 20:45:57 EST, you write: << .Since she's pregnant, her milk supply has dropped >> I have found that nursing during pregnancy on an "emptier" breast produces stronger sensations of suction. They can be very uncomfortable. When combined with the extra sensitivity, the antsy ("I wish this would stop") feeling, it feels just like a child who no longer knows how to nurse "right." It has been my experience that when a child truly forgets how to nurse, they can't organize the technique very well at all. The tongue is confused and the open mouth is all wrong. They are unable to effectively latch on, even if you explain the technique (of course this applies to a verbal child). I have found a few helpful techniques for nursing while pregnant: 1. Allowing the mother to take on some more control. If she can move towards limiting the nursing, either the length or the frequency, then she may feel less anxious the rest of the time. 2. Consciously create a more positive attitude towards the toddler/preschooler's nursing. I know I have found myself telling the child that they were done in a progressively stronger/harsher tone of voice. This is entirely subconscious, often due to that irritablity that Linda describes so accurately in her post. However, it really backfires. The more the mother gets anxious, the more the baby wants comfort, and the longer the nursing session lasts. Making a conscious effort to kiss and carress the baby and speak in a happy voice seems to help both members of this dyad. 3. My own negative experience with front teeth came as a result of my 2nd child's dental decay. He nursed while I was pregnant with my 3rd child. His front teeth were positively jagged. I found some relief by holding my finger on the breast tissue immediately in front of his teeth and depressing it slightly. I basically held the tissue down and away from his teeth just slightly, not with a great deal of pressure. And, combined this with what was mentioned in another post--to tip his head back so that his mouth was more raised, taking some of the weight of the teeth off my breast. 4. I find that many mothers also have to change their approach to these toddlers a bit. Often, they are used to comforting and giving a "snack" with a quick nursing. So, instead, I encourage them (and myself!) to give the child a lot of positive attention and cuddling at times that are not connected with bfing. Further, frequent snacks and readily available drinks is a necessary addition now that the mother's milk supply is reduced. I do find it necessary to point this out and often give some suggestions for these snacks. Especially when she is worn out, ideas for quick and easy toddler snacks are always welcome. 5. In addition to being a little snappish during the nursing, I have found that it is common to be resistant to a nursing session. The baby can sense that you stiffen up as soon as he/she asks to nurse. I usually point this possibility out and encourage the mother to, first, try to avoid the situation (if that is her desire) by keeping the child fed and avoiding those "plug-in" situations (like working at the computer or talking on the phone). Next, I then suggest that she consciously work on using positive body language and tone with her child. 6. I also found it helpful to do what one of today's posts mentioned, be more aware of the toddler's positioning. Encourage the toddler to open wide and take a large amount of areola as well as keep them turned tummy-to-tummy. I further find it helpful to pull the toddler firmly in towards the breast to minimize him pulling back and stretching the areola, or worse, sliding down a bit closer to the nipple. One technique I find helpful is a variation on the Australian hold (now that I know the name) by latching the toddler on, then leaning back to slightly shift the weight on top of the mother. This is even easier if you can sit back against a wall and bring your knees up to support the toddler. I find that I do this at night frequently on my bed. What happens is that the toddler is then slightly on top of the mother and leaning slightly into the breast so he/she is closely attached without having be restrained in any way. Hope some of this helps. It is all certainly fresh in my mind as I am due with our fourth on June 21. My 25 month old is still nursing. It has been interesting how different the sensations have been with each pregnancy/nursing toddler. I have a question on this subject. With each of my pregnancies, I have experienced some level of discomfort, be it actual pain or the impatience or "antsy-ness." I want to know if there is anyone out there who wasn't bothered by nursing during their pregnancy? I try to give the most accurate information to my LLL group members, but everyone I know who nursed through pregnancy experienced discomfort also. As I reread my note and read all the others about the difficulties with and strategies for nursing during pregnancy, I want to add a quick disclaimer that it was and is worth it 1000 times over (IMO) for those of you who are reading this who have never had babies or never nursed during pregnancy. Karen Seroussi, LLLL