2006-10-11 18:33:20 · 9 answers · asked by kim_klash 1 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Newborn & Baby
It's hard to give a definitive answer to your problem, because we don't know enough details. But I'll try my best to help.
Does he even latch on at all, or does he nurse and release after a short time (less than what he normally nurses)?
If he's not latching at all, are you bottle-feeding him as well or giving him a pacifier? If you are, I would offer the bottle and pacifier less--he could be overstimulated from these and not want to suck from your breasts.
If he's coming off after a short nursing session, it could be that he's not hungry OR it could be something in your diet that is offending him and his tummy.
There are numerous possibilities. Is he gaining weight? Is he happy? If so, then I wouldn't worry about it. He will adjust to a feeding schedule that he likes. On the otherhand, if he's being more and more irritable, I'd call the doc. Good luck!
2006-10-11 19:12:23 · answer #1 · answered by caliorchid 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Baby's sometimes go on nursing strikes when they recall something negative that may have happened while nursing. (i.e. if he bit you and you yelped, if the dog started barking, etc. etc.) Was he startled by anything recently while you fed him?
Also, while it's true that your breast milk changes with the needs of the baby, it also can pick up the flavours of the foods you've been eating... have you added anything with a new strong flavour to your diet that he might not be enjoying?
They also go through phases where they're too interested in practicing something new to be bothered eating... has he learned something new lately? A big milestone? (Rolling over etc.) I'm still breast feeding my daughter at 10 1/2 months and we've had all kinds of days where she only wants to eat for 3 minutes a side and get back to her standing, crawling and most recently walking.
Baby's also get lazy sometimes. The milk at the beginning of a feeding (when you're fuller) comes out easier. When it starts getting tough they don't want to bother. You have to keep trying though because unfortunately it's the "hind milk" (not the stuff at the beginning of a feeding) that has the most calories that are beneficial for baby.
I found that when my daughter is fussy about eating (rather than getting frustrated or concerened myself) gently massaging my breast, stroking from the top and sides down towards my nipple while she eats encourages my milk to flow better for her. I try to just take some deep breaths, relax and think "give the milk to the baby... give the milk to the baby..." She gets more milk with less frustration.
Also, sometimes switching breasts AND THEN switching positions on both sides gets her to eat for a couple minutes longer. We'd go from a cradle hold on each side with the nursing pillow to a football hold on each side and by doing that it was like she thought I had 4 breasts or something... by changing her position she thought she was getting a whole new meal. I could get 2-3 minutes 4x with the 2nd position instead of just 2x by just switching sides once.
Just encourage him, put him to the breast often if you're trying to compensate for short feedings and try to feed him in a quiet, distraction free environment for awhile and you can totally persevere through this little hiccup.
Always try your best to ensure you get a good latch though (think back to your first days breast feeding where you made sure he got the whole nipple, not just the tip etc.) or with more frequent feedings (with a not so great latch) your breasts will end up paying the price!!
Hope one of these trick helps!!
Good luck!!
2006-10-12 02:33:01 · answer #2 · answered by Poopsie-Daisy 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
He may be disinterested, If you are alternating the bottle and breast, he may prefer the bottle, it's more filling and easier than the work of having a 'boobie' takes. I breast fed all my kids, I found out that when I alternated the bottle with a breast, they choose the bottle and nursing soon ended by about 4 to 7 months. The breast may also just not be producing as much as it was in the beginning also. When I breast fed exclusively, it was almost impossible to ween them, there's a fine line of breast vs. bottle and what is a good balance to keep up milk production. If he's done with the breast be thankful he got the first 3 months of nutrients and anti-bodies from you.
2006-10-12 03:37:15 · answer #3 · answered by Mt ~^^~~^^~ 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Can you please give us more details of what is happening? Is he hard to get to latch at all? Or is he popping on and off the breast during a feeding? Are you following his feeding cues or trying to put him on a schedule? (Please feed on cue!) Have you had latch problems in the past? Could he be teething?
More info will make it easier to help. Until then - check these links -
2006-10-12 08:38:26 · answer #4 · answered by momma2mingbu 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Get in touch with a La Leche League
http://www.lalecheleague.org/
They are a fantastic group, that helps woman with all sorta of breast feeding questions, issues, its very supportive, and extremely helpful. Look at the website and see if you can find a local group near you :)
Tree
2006-10-12 01:43:04 · answer #5 · answered by Tree S. 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
As babies get bigger they need to feed less often. Also your milk supply changes to meet the growing needs of the baby. Like the previous poster said he will feed when he's hungry.
2006-10-12 01:40:05 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
How is his weight? If it is acceptable, don't worry, get a breast pump and start saving breast milk. Use it for some feedings, it will help him wean.
Baby's weight is the key issue here.
2006-10-12 01:36:36 · answer #7 · answered by Norton N 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
He will suck your nipples, only when he needs them. Not when you want him to.
2006-10-12 01:35:46 · answer #8 · answered by ? 1 · 2⤊ 0⤋
i need some breast milk.
2006-10-12 02:31:32 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋