While breastfeeding my 8 month old daughter she kicks, swings her arm around and is fussy is this selfweaning?

No, she is not self-weaning.....babies under the age of one do NOT self-wean without some encouragement from the mother (ie, returning to work, misunderstanding baby's cues or a nursing strike, introduction of bottles or solids).

LOL, she is probably just distracted...this is about the age when they start with the gymnastics while breastfeeding. Try to nurse her in a darkened room, or quiet place.

This is a completely normal phase, and it will end. :)

No she is not self-weaning. Especially since she is uninterested in other food as well.

Arching the back is often times a sign that baby is in pain. Have you ruled out any other causes of this behavior? Is it possible she is teething? Has a sore throat? I would explore some of these options as often the problem is more than surface-deep.

As far as not wanting pureed foods, have you considered giving her regular food? The purees aren't neccessary and she may take better to feeding herself. It could be just what she's looking for, it will allow her a little more independance with self-feeding but still allow her to nurse when she wants. You can start off with soft foods such as a banana or some soft cheese or steamed broccoli, and you may be surprised at how well baby could do with it. Many babies dont' take to purees well and introducing wholesome nutritious food seems to be the more logical option anyway.

Good luck and I hope things get better for you.

This may sound strange but it was/is true for both of my breastfed sons. Both of my sons began doing the same thing and more...talk about contortionists, right about the same time I introduced foods beyond breast milk. I think it has something to do with their digestion. I know for my sons the repositioning that they continually went through while nursing helped them to pass gass. My youngest son moves around so much at times that I think he's going to fall out of my lap (imagine the pain to the mother!!!) Once he's moved around enough to work out whatever gas bubbles were bothering him, he settles down and gets ready for his nap (or bedtime) or he takes himself off the breast and gets down off my lap.

So, long story short, no I don't believe it's self-weaning...you'll know when she's ready to stop because she'll not be interested in the breast as often or for as long.

Blessings.

This is NOT self-weaning. Without a doubt. I can't remember what it is, but I have read about this before. It's common behavior. Many moms mistake this for weaning, but it never is. Check out this website for better information on breastfeeding and feeding solids:

www.kellymom.com

As babies get older they can get more distracted from latching on and their interest will decrease in breast feeding. If you really want to continue and good way to keep her attention is to wear a bright necklace that will catch her attention.

She probably is getting ready to move onto to new foods. If you're nervous or unsure go see your doctor or a nutritionist. They will have suggestions for helping make the transition.