When I breastfeed her she breaks her latch and just wants to move around and look around. I feel like she isnt eating enough so I give in and feed her a bottle and even when I do that she just wants to keep looking all around her and move her head all over, its impossible to keep the bottle in her mouth! and when it does leave her mouth she flips out and starts crying but she wont stick with it!
I want her to stay still and stay latched on my breast or at least stay latched on the bottle!
2007-03-13 11:28:54 · 5 answers · asked by mcm 3 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Newborn & Baby
Once babies are able to turn their heads and look around it is almost impossible to keep them latched on for long periods of time. Try nursing her in a dark room with no traffic or noises to distract her. That may encourage her to stick to eating and play later. Keep nursing her, it's what's best! Keep up the good work!
2007-03-13 12:22:42 · answer #1 · answered by Mom23 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Sounds like she is distracted. Make sure you are nursing in a quiet room, no TV, very little noise, don't talk on the phone, etc. Try closing the blinds, see if that helps. Don't give her anything else to look at or try to turn her head to see. Try looking into her eyes and singing softly to hold her attention to your face, where she has to keep her mouth right over your nipple. Don't give up on any one thing too soon either - sometimes it takes several tries. It will be hard, but try not to get too frustrated or she'll feel that and be more likely to pull away. Also, could she be teething, have an ear infection, thrush, sore throat? Maybe latching on is causing her pain? If she won't eat, but seems upset that you take it away, that could be the case. Or maybe she's just not hungry. Try a pacifier, maybe she just wants to suck and not eat.
2007-03-13 12:39:39 · answer #2 · answered by Erin 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Oh that is Frustrating! If you want her to breastfeed you should only do that because if you introduce her to the bottle she will become confused and won't want to latch on. If you feel she isn't eating enough talk to you doctor and they will tell you if you should supplement with formula. Otherwise when you nurse her you should do it in an area where there is little to no distractions at all. Pick a quiet room with no T.V. and no phone. All that stuff can wait- this is such a special bonding time for you and baby. My son was difficult to latch on around that age because he was so curious about everything. If you are really concerned that she isn't getting enough milk make a doctor's appointment. Good luck!
http://www.medela.com/NewFiles/faq/Latchpblms.html
http://www.ohsuhealth.com/htaz/pregnancy/bfdinghb/diffbhub/ineffective_latchon_or_sucking.cfm
2007-03-13 12:08:41 · answer #3 · answered by kez 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My 7 week old boy does this sometimes aswell. He thinks it's a game to pull off and run his tounge around my nipple then stop and smile and giggle. I usually gently push his mouthback over my nipple and just hold his head there so he cannot pull off and then remove my hand once he's been sucking for a bit. He too likes to look around, even when it's 3am and we are sitting in the dark with no sounds. I think it's just becuase they want to know everything that is going on, and why not, this is all new to them. Try going to a lactation consultant, they can give you pointers on helping you keep your little one latched on. Also maybe your little one would be interested in some extremly runny (consistancy of milk) rice cerial, might help fill the tank.
2007-03-13 14:18:11 · answer #4 · answered by three_red_shoes 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I've had that same problem with my daughter when she was little. I was told by a mom, not to give up. It is easy to give up, but you should be motivated to continue your great job. I'm sure you have heard of all of the benefits of breastfeeding health-wise, but did you know it forms a very close relationship with your daughter,that only you as her mother can experience. You develop a close bond that is worth all your effort. As far as her being curios it is normal, everything is new to her.
Ask her pediatrician how many diapers are normal for her to go though a day; and start counting them. You will be surprised to find out how much she really is consuming, and all the evidence will be in her diapers and in her growth.
Just be care-full not to become her human pacifier.Allow the normal 2 to3 hours in between feedings to let her get hungry enough so that she learns that she has to eat when it is her scheduled time.
Don't get discouraged! Do what you feel is right for you and your child. I'm sure everything will be fine.
2007-03-13 12:05:41 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋