HELP!! DS doesn't seem to like b/feeding anymore....

[onthefly]

It's actually quite normal behaviour at this age. 5 minutes is enough time to get all the milk out at this age - but I totally understand your concerns. I was so worried when DS did this about around 4 months.
The reason he doesn't get upset during hte night is most likely because it's dark and quiet and there's nothign much else going on. During the day, however, he's probably getting very interested in the world around him and feeding gets in the way of that. Just note also that if you introduce bottles at this time, he may decide he prefers them (as he can feed while looking around) - just something to be aware of.

Things that helped me:
Find a nice, quiet, dimly lit place to feed.
If he's done, let him go. Don't ever try to force him back to the breast.
Remember it's probably a phase and should pass with a bit of time. Try as much as you can to relax and go with the flow.

If you're concerned about how much milk he's getting then watch his nappies - that's always the best way to tell if he's getting enough. And remember the ABA helpline is always there if you have any concerns or questions.

All the best

[mambo]

Thanks MadB for your response and suggestions I have tried going into a darkened quiet room to feed and i still seem to have problems (also tricky for me to do all the time as I have a very active toddler to disrupt things too!) Im concerned because he gets so distressed...hes not just distracted hes either in pain or very very frustrated...I might add that he sucks soooo hard sometimes that his eye goes red...almost like hes about to burst a capillary! He is producing good wet nappies so I feel like he is getting enough but at the same time it cant be normal for him to break off after a few minutes crying and do this constantly throughout the feed! I just cant put my finger on what is going on...am hoping if it is a phase it will end soon cause feeding is becoming so stressful for me...might get in touch with a lactation consultant and see if they can provide some answers too...thanks again for your response...

[onthefly]

There could be something else going on - it's definitely worth checking out. Lots of wet nappies sounds good, though.
I know with my DS this phase evolved into breast refusal after I kept trying to force him to feed more. Almost literally the minute I relaxed about it, the problem disappeared.
Hope you sort it out soon

[MummaSue]

My DD did this (and still does to a point). She's a very distracted little thing who loves to just get 5 minutes on the boob and then be off on her merry way to play again. And it started around 4-5 months too. She seems to be a power feeder, gets all she needs in that 5 minutes.

I found that lying down and feeding her helped us.

[Barb Glare]

More questions than answers right now. How many times does he feed in 24 hours? Both sides? is he on solids yet? It is recommended they start at around the 6 mnths mark - which is just around the corner for your LO

[dusty]

Mambo I just came in here to write the same post! No kidding. DD is just past 5 months and feeding in the day just seems to get in her way of playing and being involved in the world. DD is fine, gaining weight, plenty of nappies but she snacks all day. I've timed her and I'm lucky to get 5 min total each feed once a let down happens. So I just offer her the breast at every opportunity and it seems to work for us. She never seems to be hungry.

From 3-4.5 months I used a dummy to calm her down and slip my nipple in once she was calm. That has now passed but one of my breasts doesn't have as fast a flow as the other so she tends to get very frustrated on that one. I always offer it to her first when she is hungriest to at least get some milk flowing.

Overnight she has longer feeds (7 mins a side) and I think she is getting a lot of her calories that way, when she is half asleep and not distracted. Its hard not to worry though isn't it.

I always feed her in her room, darkened with no or few distractions, and definitely no people around. Its impossible to get her to focus if there is any talking LOL.

I hope things improve for you, and that like so many other things with parenting, that "This too shall pass". xx

[mambo]

MamaSue: I still havent mastered feeding lying down...might have to practice that one more!

Barb Glare: DS feeds 6 times within a 24hour period..feeds on both sides just not for very long...I started him on rice cereal last week but stopped after a few days as I felt he was constipated and wondered whether the rice cereal could have caused it. I did give him mashed banana yesterday and today about an hour after a feed and he loved it. My maternal nurse told me they are now saying you can start solids from 4 months if bubs is showing signs....am I wrong in doing this?

Dusty: I do EXACTLY the same thing as you with the dummy! Its the only way I can calm him down.. Overnight my DS feeds really well...10 minutes on each side...so I actually feel like he has a good amount at night..why cant he do that during the day!!
Does your DD also break off crying constantly throughout the feed? Is she now feeding ok? Oh I do hope its just a phase and that it passes soon...otherwise im going to be one stressed out bald woman!

Thanks again ladies for all your responses and re-assurance