<<<My 9 month old has been
pinching me (usually the skin of my throat/neck) and digging his fingers

into my ribs for about 3 months now and he usually does both at once.  I

know that this is a normal problem with toddlers>>>

One of my own sons did this same thing. I could not sleep as it went on
all night! My husband came up with the perfect solution, using his
socks. He put a pair of his socks, have to be adult size so as to extend
all the way up the baby's arms, over the little guys hands. I expected a
big fuss when he couldn't get any skin to pinch but, no. He settled
right down and nursed well.
Another woman I know who experienced this behavior with her baby took to
wearing one big, wooden bead on a necklace  (it was more pleasing to the
eye than sweat socks) and the baby would play with that while they
nursed and no more pinching. Hope this helps you.
The offender in our family is 7 yo now and still a nudge.Very good with
his hands, though. Great l*go builder and wonderful artist. The sock
method of breastfeeding did not stifle his tactile abilities!
Judy Hain - Cape May , NJ