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.
Last night I got onto the most amazing and wonderful ABA counsellour - SHE WAS JUST BRILLIANT!! She gave me heaps and heaps of tips and pointers to try (you ladies already suggested some, so thank you too) listen to me cry, reassured me, got a breast pump free of charge for a week and got me an appointment with my MCHN as I couldn't get one. She not only gave me tips to get him b/f but also to take sips of water too. I got off the phone feeling really positive and confident that we will get over this hurdle. She didn't rush me or try to get off the phone (you know how some help lines do that) and so far so good. DS fed well overnight and I actually changed a decent wet nappy this morning and he has had a small feed where he didn't pull on and off this morning.
Thank you all so much for your help and reassurance with tips and pointers ladies. So many people IRL around me just don't get how important it is to me to keep feeding and having that bond/special time. They are all saying just give him a bottle because that is what he wants and what's the big deal about b/f'ing? But I know that I will always have the support, encouragement and understanding among my amazing BB friends Thank you! I am so happy!!
Oh hun, I am so relieved and happy to hear you say that!
I really hope this hurdle is passing now that you are armed with the right advice. Perhaps you wouldn't mind sharing afterwards exactly what works for you when you're through this phase.
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and he has had a small feed where he didn't pull on and off this morning.
Thank you! I am so happy!!
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