all she wants to do is eat?????

Question

i have a 6 moth old baby and i breastfreed her... i know she is going through a growth spurt but all she will do is eat...its been 4 days and i am so sore i havent slept and its the only way she will stay sleeping...this didnt start until 4 days ago and she has always been a good eater...she wont even eat her cereal right now...this wouldnt be so bad , but i also have 2 yr old and am a single mom...the baby will not take a bottle and i dont really want her to...but how do i get her off of me 24/7, i cant even leave my house , its hard enough just to go to the bathroom or make something to eat for my 2 yr old, ive taken her to the doctor and she said its what she needs, i dont think really understands that she is on me ALL the time(no break) i just switch sides every 20 minutes...she is even on as i right this...someone help!!!!!

oh ya...she wont take a bottle(already tried that)...she eats solids, and doesnt want them...cant let her scream for too long( she has angsiiat and get ssick really quick) both my girls do, so it works up my other one(she is very protective of her baby sister) and i produce more than enough milk, and she just keeps eating.

she has been on solids for o 2 months already

Answer 1

If it is a growth spurt it should be over soon. The generally last 4-7 days.

I know that doesn't really help but there isn't much you can do. If you use a wrap style carrier you can nurse her in the carrier.

Also she is 6 months old, and while I don't believe in giving babies juice desperate times call for desperate measures. Maybe she'd take some in a sippy cup or bottle. Also chamomile tea is supposed to be quite good. My midwife recommends it. I keep forgettig to buy it though. I do give peppermint for upset tummies though.

Also have you tried giving her a dose of tylenol. Sometimes it is hard to tell if they are in pain or just fussy. I really hate drugs but when things get insane around here I try and about half the time it works which means it was pain as near as I can tell.

Here is some useful advice too:
http://www.askdrsears.com/html/5/T050100.asp

Good luck!


(Also try getting out of the house, put her in her stroller and go for a walk. Maybe that will help the change in scenery and the movement. I know it is tough with another child. To get them both ready and then have to come back if it really doesn't work. I nurse at the park all the time though.)

Answer 2

I would say just hang in there! I know it's hard during those growth spurts. Six months is definitely old enough to try her on baby cereal (with spoon, not bottle). You know the drill. Just be persistent and patient while she gets the hang of the cereal. It's new to her. I'm sure you remember to make the cereal with some breastmilk so that is is very liquidy at first and increase the thickness as she gets the hang of it. She may just eat a few bites at first, then 1T, then 2, 4, etc.

Check with your doctor, but I believe at 6 months it is also ok to start babyfood. Just make sure you give one flavor for 5-7 days to watch for allergies before moving to the next.

Answer 3

She's probably not feeding the entire time, but using you as a pacifier.

If I needed a break when it was obvious that my son was only nipple sucking and not nursing, I would ask my husband to take over briefly (watch your daughter's jaw to see if she is swallowing, you will also be able to feel if she is suckling deeply or shallow nipple sucking).

At times I envied my husband because he could play with the baby, but whenever I came near our son, he smelled my milk and instantly reached for my breast. All that has changed... and I will always value the time spent nursing my son, but I do understand how demanding it can feel to always have your baby at your breast.

If you have someone who can help out (mother, sister, husband, friend), I am positive your baby cannot be feeding the whole time... have someone take her off your hands so you can get some much needed rest.

Take care...

Answer 4

Normally a growth spurt will last no longer than a week. (Typically more like 3-4 days.)

Try doing breast compressions while nursing to help her get more hindmilk. (See link.)

Get a sling to wear her in so you aren't stuck in a chair while she nurses.

Sit in the floor with your back against a wall/bed/couch so you can play with the 2 year old and nurse at the same time.

Reset priorities for housekeeping and such for a week or two. Clean clothes to wear and food to eat are essential. Everything else can pretty much be left to slide for a few days.

Answer 5

Have you tried baby food yet? Maybe it's time to introduce something besides cereal to her. Try something like sweet potatoes or really whatever catches your eye. Even boil up some potatoes (really soft with no seasoning) and try those. I'm no doctor, but it sounds to me like she needs something more to fill her belly so that you can get some relief.

Answer 6

omg, I feel sorry for you! I think I'd keep trying the bottle every time. Maybe you should try different nipples to see if you can find one that she will take. Maybe you should consult a diffrent doctor? this is a tough one.

Answer 7

Either switch to formula or try a little rice cereal. 6 months old should be okay to start introducing some solids.

The key here is that you don't get all worked up over it. You have the right to be tired, sor and sleepy.

Answer 8

how big is she? maybe she needs more 'solid' food. my brother was HUGE and was always hungry, his pediatrician gave the go ahead to give him soft 'solids' at 6 mos. he pretty much skipped the rice cereal--went from breast to finger food. then he started sleeping through the night.
check with dr. first though!

Answer 9

do you have enough milk? have 1/2 a beer milk will be unbelievable, keep pushing the cereal as well sorry i have 4 kids i feel your pain

Answer 10

Did you know that just because a baby cries doesn't mean it has to eat? Maybe she just wants to suck. Try a pacifier to hold her off between feedings.