Could he not like sucking due to ear pain- given that you said he has a runny nose- he may have a cold affecting his ears or an earache so that maybe why he's not interested at the moment. Hope he gets back to feeding well soon.
I've been trying to get onto the ABA for 4 days now and can only get the recorded message that they are experiencing a massive call volume and to please call back later . I can't even get onto my child health nurse.
I've been wondering if it is breast refusal or not. DD went through this and I couldn't get her back so she ended up FF and I really really don't want this to happen.
I'll keep trying the hotline. Thanks ladies.
Do you have a local ABA contact? If you subscribe you will be given the details of your local group and that is sure to contain a counsellor or two (in case you're desperate!). Alternatively, perhaps their Breast Refusal brochure might be helpful? Your local library or MHC might have a copy, or you can get it on their website.
It could be for any number of reasons. Are there any feeds he does seem to take better, ie first thing in the morning or during the night? I'd identify when he does seem to feed and try to replicate those circumstances as much as possible.
All that is going on for him right now is likely contributing to this, but it won't last forever. It might be a few days, to a week, but my guess is he'll be back with a venegance soon.
My DS did the same thing around 7 months! Then he had two teeth come thru and whent right back to feeding fantastically! He is now 11.5 months and loves his b/f
Try and get hold of the ABA but don't stress to much. It sounds like you are doing the right thing. It should pass!
Jules
Hope you can get through!
The only thing I would say is don't push it. Like Jen says, try to find conditions where he will feed and replicate those as much as possible.
Could he have a sore throat or blocked nose?
DD1 did the same thing at 6 months, I found if I pushed it, she bit or refused or didnt drink much, if she did I would just put her down and leave her. She would eventually come to me when she really wanted it and have a decent drink. I dont think they will intentionally starve themselves. I just perservered and eventually she went back to normal. If you are worried about dehydration have you tried sippy cups of water?
My DS2 did the same thing at about 6 months. I was all worried about him getting dehydrated cause it was really hot at the time so gave him little drinks of cold water when it had been a long time since his last decent BF. It only lasted a bit over a week... like some of the other babies he started crawling, got some teeth and then went back to feeding. Neither of my boys have been big feeders while teething, I guess it must hurt their poor gums.
I found my big, sore, full boobs were the biggest casualty, so my advice would be to keep expressing so you are comfortable and maintain your supply. Keep offering feeds regularly. If he isn't interested just leave it and try again later. I found my DS2 just got cranky at me if I kept trying to get him to attach. Try to relax and hopefully he will start feeding properly again soon.
Registered User
. I can't even get onto my child health nurse.
He is now 11.5 months and loves his b/f
Reply With Quote
Bookmarks