I am brestfeeding my 7 wk old son but will be returning to work soon. I began pumping and offering him a bottle 2-3 weeks ago now to ensure an easy transition. He took the bottle no problem up until a few days ago. Now he just cries, almost like he's in pain. Any ideas? Thought it may be thrush, but I don't see any white areas in his mouth.
2006-08-29 15:06:15 · 9 answers · asked by niki7280 1 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Newborn & Baby
First, he can have thrush without the white spots, but the bottle refusal sounds a bit more strong than I would expect from thrush (and we have dealt with thrush for the past 5 months!). Here is more info on thrush: http://www.kellymom.com/bf/concerns/thrush/thrush-resources.html It could be reflux, in which case you might try propping him up a little when giving him the bottle. If it were reflux he would probably also be fussing at the breast. Here is more info about Reflux: http://www.reflux.darshani.com/
My guess is that he just doesn't want the bottle. If you want to still try bottle feeding, I'd try other nipples, maing sure they are all the infant kind (slower release of milk, more like the breast).
Luckily there are other ways to feed him. You can use a cup, spoon, or even a syringe. Here is a website with information about using the other feeding methods. http://www.askdrsears.com/html/2/T026000.asp Also, make sure that when you offer the cup/spoon, etc. that YOU aren't around. Sometimes baby will refuse to be fed by other than mama when they know you are there.
Congrats on your new baby and on your decision to breastfeed- even though there can be challenges with pumping it's so worth it!
2006-08-30 02:19:59 · answer #1 · answered by Ellie 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Firstly, do a process of elimination. Make sure the bottle isn't too hot, or too cold. My son will drink cold milk, but not all babies will.
Try to get a bottle that has a wide nipple with a slow flow. Avent bottles are great. (available at Walmart and Safeway, I'm sure other places as well.) Look up the image online, and if you find an offbrand bottle (like Parents Choice works awesome) that is the same style, that is fine too.
Also, something that might be the case, is if your baby is allergic to the material the nipple is made of. It's doubtful, but possible.
Use the hospital your baby was born at as a resource. All of them have lactation consultants that are dying to help you if it'll keep you breastfeeding. Mine helped up until just a few weeks ago, and I'm sure she'll be hearing from me again.
Your pediatrician can aslo help with narrowing down the factor. Try taking him while he's hungry and try to bottle feed him for them, maybe they can tell you what you're doing wrong. The angle of the bottle could be off.
Good luck, hope it gets better.
2006-08-29 17:31:51 · answer #2 · answered by darker_pegasus 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Get a bottle that has a nipple shaped like your breast.
Offer it FIRST thing in the morning after he's had a good long rest. This is when they are most likely to cave in and take the bottle because they are starving. Dont give in and give him the breast! He won't starve if he refuses for an hour or two. You can pump instead of breastfeeding at this time. Do this for a few days until he doesnt resist the bottle anymore. Once you've jumped that hurdle you should be able to get him to take it during any feeding because he will be used to it.
ALSO: Have someone else other than YOU give him the bottle. If you are holding him he knows YOU have the good stuff and will be more likely to resist the bottle.
This worked for my son when I was weaning him at 8 months old... and he was weaned completely within 1 week!
2006-08-29 17:20:33 · answer #3 · answered by Ask me anything! 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
He may have acid reflux.. that may be the reason for his pain cries.. read the links below.. and I also provided a link with suggestions on getting him to take a bottle again.. good luck
2006-08-30 01:08:02 · answer #4 · answered by nknicolek 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Wow - he decided that one early. Mine was 4 months when he refused the bottle. I was told to try different nipples (start with Dr. Brown's since those that suggested it stressed that one). Unfortunately, I can't tell you if it worked because we never tried it and just decided to keep it natural.
2006-08-29 15:15:51 · answer #5 · answered by AlongthePemi 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Try the bottle that is shaped like a breast from www.OneStepAhead.com
2006-08-30 00:06:26 · answer #6 · answered by confused by court order 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
maybe he's begging you not to separate from him. iq is lowered, social skills are harmed, attachment between mom and child is damaged, approval from dad sinks, depression and anxiety are much more likely when an infant spends more than 10 hours a week away from mommy. and it's a lousy life.
my baby refused to tolerate me 'having it all' and i'm glad he did. babies evolved to need their mommies.
2006-08-29 15:15:52 · answer #7 · answered by cassandra 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
try nipples from different materials, shapes, different flow? My daughter wanted more milk coming out - she was getting frustrated with the slow flow nipples...
2006-08-29 15:12:51 · answer #8 · answered by aaja 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
maybe you should take him to a doctor
2006-08-29 15:12:34 · answer #9 · answered by ? 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋