Help - Total Breast Refusal @ 8/5mths

[*Ang*]

In the last 48 hours DD has decided to totally refuse my breasts and they are killing me!!!

She has 4 teeth already (top 2 and bottom 2) and we think she is getting more as she has been so miserable and clingy all week. She started to bite on my nipple whilst feeding this week too, and after a couple of days of this when I worked out that she thought it was a game - laughing at me and waiting for a reaction, I started to be quite firm with her and take her off the breast. Now I think I may have adversely caused her to not want it anymore.

Everytime I go to feed her (no matter what position or what time of day/night) she now strains, pulls away and starts to scream and cry. To make it worse I have offered her a bottle and she almost refuses that too. In the past 24 hours she has barely drunk 120mls of bottle and none from my breast. She is also barely drinking any water either.

She is happy to eat tho and is gulping down her food.

What do I do next? Do I just accept that she is self-weaning or do I persist. I have been expressing both with a hand expresser and in the shower to give myself some relief as my breasts are so so sore.

I dont think that I am ready for her to stop yet.

[sloane]

i reckon it'd be pretty unusual if she was self weaning already...it seems pretty young for that? anyways, have you tried calling the ABA helpline? their number is 1800 686 2686. i called them in tears when DS was about 5 days old & the counsellor i spoke to was great - calming, knowledgeable but also really practical.

personally, i'd keep persisting but i would ring the ABA re-breast refusal & see what they have to say.

[onthefly]

Hi
Have you called the ABA? They have great advice for breast refusal.
Any signs of illness in your DD or anyone else in the house?
Has she started to crawl or anything like that?
Has af returned...?
At this age it is highly unlikely that she's weaning, but may be reluctant to feed for some other reason. I know you're worried about fluid intake, but it's best not to offer bottles if she's like this as that can help them along in making a switch.

It is really hard when they do this, but it's usually short lived if you can just relax and ride it out (and I know that sounds like stupid advice).

Have you tried feeding in the bath?
sometimes they're more amenable to feed when very sleepy and/or just woken up.
Are you offering or letting her come to you? Sometimes it helps to let them take the lead more (they like to feel in control about things).
If she's eating well, maybe she doesn't need it so often any more...

All the best~~

[*Ang*]

Thanks ladies. No I havent called the ABA yet...might try to do so later today.

And yes Marcellus she did start to crawl on Weds - hasnt progressed much from there tho!!

There are no other illness's that we know of atm, only perhaps teething.

[onthefly]

Sometimes when they're going through a developmental milestone they're just too distracted or busy practising to take time out for breastfeeds, so that could be it. Sometimes feeding can be uncomfortable when teething too.

Hope you can get on to the ABA & good luck!

[Jennifer13]

Ang, this must be worrying for you. How is she doing now?

Babies will usually come through a period of breast refusal and get back to their usual pattern after a few days. In the meantime, trying to bf in the bath, or in a quiet, darkened room, or even lying down in bed, especially if she's sleepy, might help. Keep offering, but don't get stressed if she refuses. Calmly leave it at that and try again. I'd also consider cutting back on the solids a little to encourage her to bf.

8 months is definitely too young to be self-weaning. Let us know how you're going!

[Liviam]

Oh I forgot to add if you think they are teething before you feed grab a facewasher/cloth dampen it with cold water, cover your finger and rub (quite firmly they love it when teething) where they are teething. DS loved this, and still does.

[*Ang*]

Thanks everyone for your interest, concern and support but our breastfeeding journey is now over. Despite trying virtually everything DD isnt willing to come near my breasts so I have accepted it altho I dont particularly like it.

It didnt exactly help but with DH currently working away and having 2 other littlies in the household I havent been able to give DDas much of the intense one-on-one time that was perhaps needed to get her back on the breast.

So thanks again ladies, I truely enjoyed my breastfeeding experience with all 3 children and am glad that I was able to give them as mcuh as I could.

[onthefly]

Sorry to hear that.
Well done to you caring for your three little ones

[Liviam]

I'm so sorry that your b/f relationship is over but you have done the most amazing job getting as far as you did with two other little kiddies. Well done on the start you gave your gorgeous kids!