Breatfeeding Troubles -Help

Updated on February 09, 2008
S.B. asks from Glenshaw, PA
52 answers

I am a 1st time mom and my daughter is 8 weeks old. I am breastfeeding and she has always been a short feeder but I never thought anyting of it since she was still gaining weight. Well, for the past week she will feed for 5-8 minutes and then after she is done burping she will either not go back for more (screams when I offer) or will start feeding and then keep pulling away then latch on then pull way then latch on. This goes on for 5 minutes meanwhile she is crying through all this. As soon as I sit her up she stops crying. She has been continuing to suck her fist after her attempt to breatfeed so I give her 2 oz of expressed milk and was taking it just fine until today. She eats 1 oz and then chews on the nipple. I don't know what to do. She is acting normal inbetween feeding, laughing and cooing. She doesn't have a fever and has plenty of wet and dirty diapers. I started pumping after her feedings for 10 minutes to protect my milk supply. Has anyone else experience this or something like this? Any suggestions of what I could be doing wrong?

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So What Happened?

Thank you everyone for you help and support. I couldn't take it anymore and called the lactation consultant in my area as well as scheduled an appointment with her doctor. He took me right away today. He thinks it probably just some reflux and prescribed her zantac. The lactation consultant was a little stumped as well. We are going for a visit to ensure that I am still doing everything correctly. Oh she was weighed today and she is 11 pounds 12 ounces. Definitely growing!! :) Thanks again for all the suggestions, help and more of all the support. The encourgement helped me not give up and keep at it.

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D.H.

answers from Washington DC on

Does she spit up a lot, or arch her back? My dd did this and come to find out she had reflux. There are many differen vetsions of reflux. She would do mini feeding sessions all day long until we got her on medicine.

S.Y.

answers from Pittsburgh on

S.:
It could be reflux...they say breastfed babies are less likely to have it, but both of mine did! Call La Leche League ###-###-####. They are a wonderful help for answers to questions like those!

A.J.

answers from Williamsport on

Good work breastfeeding and pumping-you aren't doing anything wrong. It's normal for babies to fluctuate with their appetites, but since this has been happening a week-try the mother to mother forum on the Leche league's site: www.lalecheleague.org. Good luck!

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D.G.

answers from Reading on

HiShannon,

I am a maternity nurse and help many moms with breastfeeding. You say she eats about 8 minutes, has plenty of wet diapers, and is gaining weight. My question is how often does she eat (every hour, 2hours, etc,), how many wet diapers in a 24 hour period, and is the pediatrician concerned about her weight gain? All babies like to suck, even when they are not hungry. It is a self-soothing mechanism that mother nature so lovingling provided as an instinct for your smart baby! Usually breast fed babies take exactly what they need a feeding. If she is receiving frequent feedings (every hour), she is probably getting all she needs for that time frame. If she refuses to feed AT ALL for 2-3 feedings in a row, has less that 6 wet diapers in a 24hour period, or has excessive crying, you need to call your pediatrician. You may also want to consult a lactation consultant for a home visit. Most insurances will cover the visit.

Hope this helps...

D.

1 mom found this helpful
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G.S.

answers from Philadelphia on

I Breastfed both my children, my daughter, who is now 7 years old and my son who is now 3. My daughter nursed for a whole year. I never had to use formula. I described her as a "power nurser" 5-10min and done since birth. She was exactly like what you are describing. I think your daughter is getting enough just fine. Even when I gave her expressed milk from a bottle she rarely drink more than 4 ounces. Also, she may be at a lull in growth. At her next growth spurt she may surprise you and want to nurse all day. And then sleep all day the next, hardly eating at all. My advise to you is just relax and go with your instincts. As long as she's healthy, gaining weight, with enough wet diapers you're fine. Count your blessings, my son nursed every 2 hours for half an hour at a time for the first 4 months!

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L.H.

answers from Pittsburgh on

I can think of a couple things that might be a problem. It may just be that she has become more efficient at nursing and it doesn't take as long. If she is gaining wait and having enough wet diapers, she is probably getting plenty of milk.

Though she is pretty young, teething sometimes starts early, long before the first tooth actually comes out. That may make it painful for her to nurse. I have used Hylands teething gel and teething tablets, homeopathic teething remedies. Sometimes you can find them at Walmart, and usually at a natural foods store.

She may have thrush. Have you noticed any white spots on her gums or inside her mouth. Thrush can make nursing painful. If you see anything like that, talk to your doctor about it. I don't know what they do for it now, but back when my oldest dd had it, they painted her mouth with medicine. If she has it, you might also have it on your nipples and that will need to be treated also.

With my first child, I started my period again when she was just two months old. My dd started acting just like your daughter. Apparently hormones made the milk taste different. I felt she was too young to stop breastfeeding, so if she acted up while nursing, I would wait until she was very sleepy and offer her the nipple. She wouldn't refuse it then, and would nurse to sleep. After a few days, she was back to normal.

I don't know if there is a Le Leche League around you, but when my first baby was born, they were an immense help to me. I would have given up nursing due to problems we had at the beginining, if not for the support and information given to me by a Le Leche leader and other members of the local group. You can look on the internet for information about the group.

I have four daughters, ages 6, 9, 13 and 16 and nursed them all.

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L.N.

answers from Pittsburgh on

She could still have an air bubble. My son is now 6 mos and still does that if he still needs to burp. Sometimes they are just full for the moment. She could also be teeting, my son started teeting that young, also. He got two bottom teeth 2 days apart at 5 mos old.

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L.E.

answers from Philadelphia on

You are doing nothing wrong! Look at the facts: 1. she is gaining weight. 2. she has no trouble latching on and feeding. 3. she is happy and acting normal in between feedings.

I am a mother of three and my last two were just like that. from the very beginning they latched on great and were very efficient. I could feel my milk coming down, so I knew they were getting something, and then they would only feed for about 5-8 min. I didn't even pump with my youngest (meaning I never supplemented, and never used formula), she just turned one year and this week I just stopped giving her a morning feed, I just give her a cup of whole milk now (she probably would have kept nursing if I would have let her).

I guess my advice is to go with your motherly instincts and try to keep the facts straight. It looks to me like you have a really happy, healthy baby girl, who is really good at nursing! That is a blessing, I know a lot of moms that struggle with nursing and eventually quit, keep it up the benefits are so worth it!

p.s. i don't know why a lot of people are saying reflux? you said she is really happy between feeding, and never said anything about her spitting up. It sounded like the only reason she was crying was because you might have been forcing her to feed when she was satisfied.

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H.

answers from Pittsburgh on

My let-down is very fast and powerful. So much so that with with my first two, I had to limit their time on the breast to less than about 3 minutes or else they would explode. I don't mean a little spit up - both of us would need a cmplete change of clothes (down to my underwear and socks usually!). When pumpng I'd get 10 ounces in less than 5 minutes. It occurred to me that if they were getting that much when nursing that it was way too much for a 3-6 week old. I started limiting the feeding length and only doing one side and the spitting up stopped. I'd pump to take the pressure off the other side and instead of alternating starting sides, I'd just alternate feeding sides. They had plenty of wet diapers, were growing and happy between between feedings (usually about 3 hours!). Our Dr said no concern with reflux as they were never bothered by it - crying, upset. My third was bigger and I think my supply is a little more under control (haven't had as many leaks) so she didn't have the same problem. But she does sometimes just want one side and I'd say she never nurses more than 10-12 minutes total at a feeding. I nursed mine 13 and 19 months so didn't have troubles keeping up with shortened feedings.

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B.M.

answers from Philadelphia on

I know you want her to eat eat eat.. because that is what we as mom's want to do ... , but maybe she has had enough . I would try feeding more often and see if that would work.

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F.S.

answers from Philadelphia on

I had the same problem with my daughter when she was 8 weeks old. Her pediatrician diagnosed it as acid reflux. She suggested holding her more upright when I'm feeding her so that her head is above her stomach and then keeping her in an upright position for 20-30 minutes after feeding. We also just let her sleep in the bouncy chair because she was spitting and crying when I put her lying down in bed. That helped some but she was still spitting a lot after each feeding so the doctor prescribed Xantac. That worked. She's now 5 months, we stopped the Xantac about a month ago and she's fine. Good luck.

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N.P.

answers from Pittsburgh on

Hi S.,

My name is N. and I breast fed both of my kids. Please do me a favor and call a lactation consultant today. You can get a nbr for someone in your area by going to http://www.llli.org/.

There could be several reasons...but keep pumping as you are to maintain your supply...I'm sure with a lactation consultants help you'll be back to nursing w/out any problems very soon! Best of luck and congratulations on giving your baby the most amazing gift!

N.

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L.B.

answers from Philadelphia on

Hi there,
It sounds like she is getting enough to eat. It seems as though she just wants to continue to suck. My children did the same thing. Perhaps she has just become a very efficient nurser, and she is emptying the breasts quicker than she did before. I would nurse her and if she wants to continue to suck, give her a pacifier. As long as she is growing, she's fine. Best of luck.
-L.

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J.R.

answers from Philadelphia on

just stick with it she will eat when and how much she wants to. as long as she is still going to the bathroom normally i would not even worry about offering the bottle. my daughter went through the same thing, i pumped to build up a supply but only offered it when i was not around. if you need someone to talk to you can email me ____@____.com

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A.P.

answers from Pittsburgh on

My son would cry at the breast if I ate something that made the taste of the breast mild intolerable for him. Once we figured out which tastes he liked, we added or avoided these items. I also agree with the other mom's about possible ear infections and reflux as a possibility.

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T.L.

answers from Pittsburgh on

S.,

Please continue to nurse your baby, it sounds like she is doing fine. I breastfed both my children, one I nursed while I was pregnant with the second! If you are interested in talking with other breastfeeding mom please consider the Morgantown Breastfeeding Support Group. THey meet at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Morgantown located off University Avenue between WVUs Main Campus and WVUs Evansdale Campus. Of course, children are welcome. Please call or email me at ###-###-#### or ____@____.com
with any questions or concerns.

I attended their monthly meetings for a long time while I nursed my 2 children and they provide a wonderful resource to new breastfeeding moms.

Good luck,
T.

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S.H.

answers from Philadelphia on

Are you getting a lot of milk when you pump after she nurses? The reason I ask is that my friend was concerned about the same thing. A lactation consultant came to her home and weighed the baby before and after he nursed. He would nurse for 10 minutes or so, and after that he would weigh 8-10 ounces more. If your daughter is continuing to grow and gain weight, she is getting enough nutrition.

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J.P.

answers from Harrisburg on

Hi S. ~ I agree with all the other moms as to what could be going on. I felt like all I did was sit and feed my last son (5 min., then done, 5 min. again, done) Something else to try a nuk. She may not be hungry, but rather just want the sucking to comfort her. Most important remember to stay calm and ENJOY (she will sense how you are feeling!!) Congratulations on the birth of your daughter and deciding to breastfeed!! Blessings ~ J.

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K.W.

answers from Philadelphia on

I agree with the advice that it may by reflux. Another possibility may be an ear infection. My first-born did the exact same thing when he was two months. He was also fine between feedings. When I called the doctor to ask about the feeding problems, she wanted to check his ears. Sure enough it was an ear infection and was easily treated with antibiotics.

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G.S.

answers from Scranton on

Hi S.! I am the mother of 2 a girl and a boy. My baby girl was like that and trust me as long as her diaper count pee and BMs are fine and she is gaining wait don't worry about not taking both sides at one feeding or not feeding long enough. Anna always only ate from one side at a time. Just be sure that you always switch sides. Also this maybe great for you if you want to pump. When she eats you can then pump the other breast right away. Relax you are doing everything fine. She will get a routine and if it is 5-8 minutes from one side that seems fine to me. How often is she wanting to eat is it at least 2 hours in between? I would worry if it is less that she is still hungry and maybe has gas after one side.

G.

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A.D.

answers from Philadelphia on

I agree with the letting down too much too fast. Try feeding her in a side lying position...that way gravity is not pulling the milk down. Another position is having her sitting up in front of you while she feeds...again...trying to get rid of the gravity...you can also express some milk before feeding.

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J.M.

answers from Philadelphia on

S.,

What is your let-down like? Can you feel it and does it seem pretty forceful? How is your daughter feeding at the breast? Is she sucking at a normal pace or is she gulping it down? Is it hard for her to catch her breath when your milk first lets down? Get back to me with answers to those questions and we can see what is going on.

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E.S.

answers from Pittsburgh on

It doesn't sound like you're doing anything wrong. After nursing 3 healthy children, I've learned that as long as they're getting enough nutrition, are happy, sleeping appropriately, and wetting and pooping enough (too much in the early stages!!), you're good to go. Hopefully the nipple she's chewing on is on the bottle! All 3 of mine had problems latching on at one point or another, and the pain I endured was unreal. Hang in there, maybe she's teething a little early or having a growth spurt. I know it can get annoying trying to get them to feed on a good schedule, but eventually it works itself out.

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E.L.

answers from Lancaster on

This may be a funny or not so funny question, I'm not sure?! Is it possible that you could be pregnant? I know someone else this happened to and she went to the doctor to find out what was wrong with her milk and found out she was pregnant. Apparently, your milk changes because of the hormones and some babies will then refuse the breast. Best of luck, hope you figure it out.

E.

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D.D.

answers from Pittsburgh on

The best thing for you would be to find someone from the La Leche League. http://www.lalecheleague.com These ladies are just great and they were a HUGE help to me when I was breasfeeding. There are groups all over. Here is one thought. You said she stops crying when you sit her up. It that always the case? I wonder if laying down is the problem, ei. might she be having reflux problems? Other than that, I would say if she is taking it from the bottle and you don't mind pumping, go for it and maybe try some new positions while nursing. Good luck!

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J.M.

answers from Pittsburgh on

Hi S.,

It sounds like your daughter may just be adjusting her schedule a bit. After about 2-3 months, babies get much more efficient at breastfeeding and may be getting the same amount of milk in much less time. If she isn't acting hungry, I wouldn't worry about it. The best measure to be sure she is getting enough is a wet diaper. As long as she is having wet diapers, then she is probably fine. Babies also go through growth spurts - so she may be just getting out of her 6 week spurt - during a growth spurt (they last from 2-5 days), she will eat more and act hungrier - but after it ends, they usually go back into their routine. She will have another growth spurt coming up again in a few days.

It sounds to me like you are doing a great job!

J.

A Mother's Boutique
Breastfeeding clothing, nursing bras, breast pumps, slings and accessories.
MamaSource members save 10% off their first order using promo code MAMASOURCE.
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A.P.

answers from Philadelphia on

Hi S.,
Well, It sounds as though it's reflux. I breastfed my 4 year old and had some problems with that but they perscribed zantac for babies. It tasted horrible but it did the job.
I have a lot of friends that went through the same thing and they all got zantac. Talk to your pediatrician about it! Good Luck. Poor little thing!
A. P
www.greensthewaytobe.com

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R.D.

answers from Pittsburgh on

Hi, My son, now 2, used to do the same thing, and I figured out that he was sensitive to things in the breastmilk--onions, garlic, peppers--really, any vegetable. For about 4 mos I quit eating veggies--and in the middle of the summer, too!!!--but he nursed a lot better after that and didn't have any GI-distress. he got over it at about 5 mos.

So, see if it may be related to what you are eating. I was told in my breast-feeding class that what you ate didn't matter--but I discovered that that was not true--my son definitely cared about how the breastmilk tasted based upon what I had eaten. I believe there was about a 12hr lag between what I ate and what he tasted, but I didn't take notes and it's been a couple of years.

I think it was Dr Sears where they recommend a "white" diet--just start with rice and chicken breast and then slowly add foods in and see how your daughter reacts.

Good luck.

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R.L.

answers from Reading on

You may want to burp her longer. When my children were infants, I would hold them on my lap with their chin in my left hand and gently rub (in a circle) and pat their back for sometimes 5 minutes. The fact that she fusses when she's laying back to feed again but feels better when sitting up tells me that she may have more gas in her stomach and it hurts when she's laying back down to try to feed some more. Hope this helps!

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A.R.

answers from Pittsburgh on

Does your daughter have "white stuff" on her toungue that won't wipe off? My daughter had "Thrush" which is yeast that makes the tongue white and it is very painful... makes babies not want to nurse or suck.

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G.S.

answers from Pittsburgh on

Don't worry S.!

My daughter is 4 months old, born September 30, 2007 and I am nursing her also. She was and still is a sporadic eater too. As long as your daughter is eating and has plenty of dirty diapers you have nothing to worry about. If she doesn't want to latch back on don't force her, it will only stress both of you out and chances are if she's calm then she's full. If she is anything like my daughter, who also likes to nurse for 5 minutes at a time sometimes, she'll take a little break and probably want more in 20 minutes or so and if not, I still wouldn't worry. Like I said as long as she is eating and has dirty diapers you're doing a good job. One thing I would suggest is to not give her a bottle, always offer her your breast if you can. In my experience if I'm the one giving my daughter the bottle she gets a little confused. She takes it just fine, but I prefer to only have her take a bottle to when I have to be away from her and then she only eat about 2 oz. enough to tie herself over until mommy gets back from class. It sounds like you're doing a good job to me, try not to stress.

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B.B.

answers from State College on

If she cries I wouldn't try to force her. Maybe you should try feeding her more often instead of longer feedings. If she's gaining weight and her pediatrition isn't worried I wouldn't either.If your stressed about it when you nurse her she can sense that and that could be part of the problem.

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C.D.

answers from Altoona on

I've been nursing my daughter for her 19 mos. now. One possibility is that your daughter's an early teether. I would try giving her a chilled teether or vibrating teether or a chilled wet washcloth to chew. Then try offering the other breast. Another possibility is a mild case of colic. Have you read The Happiest Baby on the Block? I read it when mine was a few months old, but wished I'd read it when she was a brand new newborn or earlier. It talks about a different definition of colic. I'm not a lactation consultant though. I hope you figure everything out quickly! Stick with it!

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M.O.

answers from Philadelphia on

You're not doing anything wrong. You're just learning ow to read your 8 week old babies responses. Just when you think you have the routine down and you start to feel a comfortable there routine changes. Sometimes they want to eat a lot and sometimes they aren't that hungry that day. I remember worrying a little too, my baby is 8 months old then, the next day or day after things were "normal" again. Keep paying attention to the clues if she is cooing, laughing and gaining weight life is good for the little one. You are doing great. Maybe she is an early teether? Chewing, running nose, crabbiness, and sleepiness are common teething symptoms. I like the idea of pumping to keep your milk supply. I would just go with the flow and as long as the baby is happy there's nothing to worry about.

Another thought is that the baby might be a little gassy. If they do better feeding while sitting up, find a way to breast feed her while in a more upright position. You can laos try lying her on her back and bring her knees to her belly. This will help her to relieve some of the gas. We also used Organic Mother's grip water brand Wellements. This helped with digestion. About 8 weeks they are really fussy because there digestive system is still forming and they are eating more. You'll get through it hang in there.

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A.L.

answers from Philadelphia on

You are doing great. As long as she's happy in between. I'd stop "topping her off with a bottle". Many babies who get a bottle after each nursing decide they'd rather have the bottle and breastfeeding becomes harder. Let her take what she wants from the breast. If she still wants to suck after feedings but doesn't want milk, see if she wants to suck on your finger or a binky.

It might set your mind at ease to have a board certified lactation consultant come and watch a feeding. You can find one at www.pro-lc.org click on find a lactation consultant. She will come to your house and weigh the baby before and after feedings with a special scale to determine how much milk the baby took. You have to pay out of pocket for this, but many insurance companies reimburse and the peace of mind is so worth it.

Good luck!

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A.L.

answers from Philadelphia on

My 7 month old has always nursed for less than 10 minutes at any given feeding. I'm sure she's getting plenty in that short of a time period. If she wasn't, I'd expect her to be miserable. My older daughter, on the other hand, never nursed for less than 20 minutes at a time. As long as she's gaining weight, she's probably fine. If you're really concerned, talk to the pediatrician, but I think everything sounds fine.

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M.G.

answers from Pittsburgh on

I can recommend to contact the breastfeeding hotline of Allegheny Country. They have got nurses they are wonderful eith nursing questions.
If you don`t find the number in the phonebook, let me know.

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D.C.

answers from Pittsburgh on

She may be ready to go a little longer between feedings. Try dropping one feeding and see what happens. When either of my boys started not eating the way I thought they should be I always tried adjusting their feeding schedules before I worried about a medical reason. I believe that breastfed babies have a great capacity for knowing just what they need because we are not forcing our ideas of how much they should be eating by measuring it all out. Unless she is showing some other signs that make you think she might be sick, I would try this first. Good luck and trust your insticts. That was the hardest lesson for me to learn. I doubt you are doing anything wrong. Lol. You can send me a private message if you want to talk. I remember how frustrating it can be.
D.

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L.L.

answers from Reading on

You can find FREE support and encouragement from your local LaLeche League Leaders. You can find who is available in your area by visiting:

http://www.llli.org//

L. Leavy, CD, HCHI, CHt.
ALACE Birth Doula / Hypnobabies Childbirth Hypnosis Instructor
Founder Mothering & More Birth Network
State Coordinator Operation Special Delivery, PA, NJ, DE
www.MotheringandMore.org
www.MySpace.com/Hypnosis4Childbirth

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L.Q.

answers from Philadelphia on

It's great that you are so focused on your baby's needs! Congratulations on her and on nursing!

I nursed my son for a year, and we went through all kinds of phases with it. We went through what you're describing, and I did ask my ped about it, and he said we could do meds for reflux to see if that's what it was. I refused, planning to come back if things didn't change, because I didn't want my newborn on meds unless absolutely necessary. I soon realized the "issue" was a combination of my milk letting down really fast, and his decision that it was more his style to graze often than to settle in for a hearty meal.

His feeding went back to normal, and we had ups and downs with how much he'd eat at a nursing/in a day through the whole experience.

My suggestion is to follow your instincts (as you are - good mommy!!), and if she's happy, giving you diapers to change, and eating SOMETHING while gaining weight, try to ride it out. You might consider contacting a nursing mothers' group, because they have free counseling services to help ease your mind and offer advice. Near me we have the Ambler Area Nursing Mothers. If you want to contact me directly, I can give you a number to reach one of the counselors. They're all local moms who have been there, and they've been through counselors' training.

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F.H.

answers from Sharon on

She may need to poop, hwave colic or more burps or acid reflux. Two of my babies have been throough this and its frustrating! The sitting up thing was especially true of my most recent baby. I felt that perhaps he wasnt burbing enough and so it was travelling down to his tummy and so it felt more comfortable to sit up. He acted hungry too. Around 3 1/2 months he grew out of it. Tell the doctor about it next time you go to see if he can shed any light on it.

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B.J.

answers from Allentown on

sounds as if you and she are doing fine!! Even breastfed babies need to suck when they are not hungry, so by letting her suck on your breast you are doing the right thing, but she just isn't hungry!! That's probably why she is pulling back when the milk comes in again. You said you are pumping after she nurses--by doing that you are producing more milk than she wants--at least at this time. As long as she has those wet diapers and is happy, don't worry. Nursing mothers tend to worry so much because they cannot see just how much the baby is taking. Just know, you are doing fine.

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F.C.

answers from Philadelphia on

That is how my son was diagnosed with Acid Reflux when he was 5-6 months old. He would constantly need to suck on the nipple or a pacifier and he never slept because when he was laying down the pains were worse. Talk to your doctor.

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H.M.

answers from Philadelphia on

It sounds a little like she might be going on a nursing strike. Both of my children did it and you can either use this time to wean her from the breast and pump your milk (like I did with my oldest), or you can go back and forth between the breast and bottle until she's over this little phase (like I did with my youngest).

The other thing it sounds like is the possibility of gas. You said she does not cry when you sit her up but then she'll cry when you lay her back down to nurse. Have you been eating anything that could possibly make her gassy? Gently press and rub her belly when you burp her to help get any trapped gas out.

Unfortunately, the only way to get through this is to keep offering her the breast if you want to continue breastfeeding. Otherwise, pumping and then bottling is not a bad option either. This gives your partner a chance to feed the baby...especially at 3AM :)

Hope this helps!

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J.Y.

answers from Pittsburgh on

She's either drinking faster now, therefor has had enough to eat- if she is satisfied for a couple of hours after the feed this may be the case- OR she's beginning to teethe which can last for months before she breaks a tooth OR has ear fluid or an infection OR has a little gas or reflux. You may keep an eye on it and take her to the doctor if things don't improve.

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C.H.

answers from Philadelphia on

S.,

Has your doctor checked your daughter for trush? My daughter had thrush for the first month or so after she was born and ended up giving it to me so we were both put on medicine. She sounds like she's doing what my daughter did - pull off and on after only feeding for a little bit and then screaming. Check her tongue and see if it's white or call your doctor and see what they recommend. At least it's worth a shot!!! They told me to continue breastfeeding exclusively and just give her the medicine.

If it's not thrush maybe it's her ears?

These are the only things that come to mind. It just sounds like she doesn't want to suck.

good luck!

S.C.

answers from Philadelphia on

Both of my kids had reflux. You might call your ped to talk about your child's symptoms and see if they think that could be it. When you mention that it occurs after the first five minutes and that she wants to be upright, those sounds like possilble clues. Good luck! S. C.

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M.W.

answers from Scranton on

HI S.,

If your baby is gaining weight and has plenty of wet diapers she is fine. She is probably full after she eats and cries when you try to put her on because she is finished. Breastfed babies know when they are full. When she pulls off offer her the other breast. If she does not want it she is probably full. Even though you are feeding her for a few minutes babies are very efficient at getting milk.

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C.S.

answers from Philadelphia on

Hi there S.,

First I just want to say that you are doing a great job! Breastfeeding is not always easy but it's the best thing we can do for our little ones. ;)

It's possible that she just has some reflux. That would make sense since she is fine as long as she is sitting up. My daughter had reflux at that age. Their new digestive systems sometimes give them trouble. My doc told me to give her simethicone drops. It's just gas x for babies basically. It's safe to give them even when they are very young, like your little tiny. Of course, it would be best to check with your pediatrician. ;)

Good luck to you! Please write to let me know how it goes!

~C. Smith
www.EnhanceYourWayOfLife.com

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M.H.

answers from Scranton on

Hi S.,
Well first of all congratulations on your new baby girl! Now, as far as your problem goes, she may have an ear infection. My son (he'll be 2 next Saturday) did the same thing. I breastfed until he was 1 year old. Twice in his first year he had ear infections. The first time I had no idea what was wrong.....no fever, no ear tugging, nothing besides nursing for a short 5 minutes or so. It's the pressure of being tilted to nurse & sucking that hurts their ears. He too would take a bottle of expressed milk....b/c he was till hungry, but also b/c he was sitting up, and did not have to suck as hard (as he would with nursing) to get the milk. What you are describing sounds exactly like what I experienced. The worst was when I called the dr's office, the nurse told me maybe he was self weaning (at 4 months old!). I was devastated. With this going on for a few more days, I knew something was wrong, insisted he be seen, and it turned out he had a double ear infection. The antibiotics started working with in a day or so, and he was right back to nursing at least 20 minutes at a time. Sorry this was so long-winded! Get her in to her peditrician, and good luck!

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S.P.

answers from Buffalo on

I had pretty much the exact same problem with my son (only he'd stop nursing after 2-3 min on one side only)... Is your let down too forceful? That was part of my problem, too much too fast... burp longer, another problem... sometimes he'd burp after 10min! also, you may want to get him checked out for reflux, they don't have to be spitters to have reflux (mine NEVER spit but had reflux bad)... be careful though because many docs are quick to prescribe reflux meds "just in case" when they aren't SURE they kiddo has it. Good luck.

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K.W.

answers from Philadelphia on

I'd definitely put a call in to your doctor or talk to a lactation consultant since there has been a change in feeding patterns. My guess is they'll weigh her and as long as she is gaining weight and having the right number of wet diapers there is nothing to worry about. Babies go through growth spurts where they eat a lot for a while and then slow down - if I remember correctly I think they have one at 6 weeks. My daughter who is 3 1/2 now would mostly only feed on one breast at every feeding and she was very fast - only 5-10 minutes per feeding and she fed every 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 hours so it wasn't like she was eating all the time. She did this consistently for the nine months that I breastfed her and would absolutely refuse the other breast or cry off and on like you described if I tried to keep feeding her. My daughter was always on the small side but she grew along her own growth curve so the doctors told me she was fine. Maybe your daughter is getting plenty from just one side to meet her needs or maybe you just make a lot of milk and she gets enough from one side at a time. My son, who was born 2 years later, could never get enough milk. He was the complete opposite of my daughter. He would suck and suck until my nipples were raw. Go figure. I guess all babies are different.

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