Pregnant and DD is on a long term BFing strike

[starangelk]

I have to admit, I don't know when DD last had a BF. I work full time and DH is SAHD so I was only getting in 1 or 2 BFs per day and she was having EBM all other times. When I first fell pregnant she refused me for a week or so but then went back to selectively feeding. The last week or so she has just flat out refused. I have even left her overdue for a feed by 3 or 4 hours (and she is normally clockwork) and she refuses me. Last night she woke up and I rejoiced as she ALWAYS takes the boob at night and she just lay in my arms sucking her fingers and refused to latch. The few times she has latched, she has spat it out like it has a bad taste. She is still drinking the EBM but has cut back a fair bit on that too and mostly loving her solids. I'm feeling really sad and also worried. My supply is starting to drop and while I could continue expressing 5 times a day I just don't know if I have it in me while she is refusing. She's always been fussy on the boob, mainly because she has mostly EBM from bottles.

So I guess a couple of questions:

1. Do you think she'll get over the BFing strike or do you think this is it?
2. If my supply drops and I have to comp feed, is it okay to mix with EBM and also just do 1 bottle per day that way?
3. I don't know anything about formula I really never wanted to use it - I can't explain why. I have nothing against those that do it just wasn't in my plan. Is there a gluten free type?

Any advice, suggestions, thought much appreciated......... TIA

[AndiE]

Firstly, congrats on your new pregnancy! I'm not much help with your questions but I can tell you that DS1 was BF'd till 13 months, and we stopped when he ultimately showed little interst in "boobie". I suspect it was because I was pregnant with DS2 (not that I knew it at the time) and I "think" hormonal changes may have affected the taste of my milk. Am not really sure, just my thinking. I then switched DS1 onto formula with little problem. If you switch to formula, there is bound to be one that will suit your DD. Do you have a regular child health nurse who knows your DD that you can talk to?

[starangelk]

Thanks Andie for your response. I do a a health nurse and plan to call her tomorrow............I really appreciate your response

[nickle730]

At 7 months your DD should still be getting most of her nutrients from milk, although it's great that she is enjoying her solids. Does she take other fluids (apart from your EBM) and is she still having plenty of wet nappies? If it is want you want to do, I would persevere with the breast milk for a bit longer; I have heard other women say that their bubs' have refused the breast in early pg but have adjusted as the pg continued. It is true that pg hormones may change the flavour of your milk but your body is very capable of growing a pg and also providing the right milk for the child you are BF. I wonder if your DD is not enjoying your EBM or if she is just 'filling up' on the solids you are offering her and which she is enjoying. Perhaps you could try offering the EBM before offering solids if you are not already doing so.

If you do decide to offer formula I would not mix the formula and the EBM in the same bottle (is that what you mean?). I would suggest offering only the EBM and then offering the formula in a separate bottle if you require it. I think all formula's are gluten-free? My DD is comp fed with formula (S26 Gold) and I just checked the tin and it doesn't say anything about gluten at all. My mum is coeliac so I am very aware of what contains gluten and what doesn't but I could be wrong! After all, I haven't offered mum a bottle of formula lately...! Is there a reason you want to avoid giving your DD gluten?

AndiE's suggestion of consulting your MCHN is a great one. And congratulations on your pg!

[UsPlus2]

congrats on your pregnancy. I know many women continue to successful breastfeed through pregnancy, but I wasnt one of them. My DS was about 10months when I feel pregnant and he was a BIG feeder. I think it was around the 6wk pregnancy mark he totally went off feeds, he wouldnt take EBM, he wouldnt feed from me. We tried altering when we feed him solids, made no difference. In the end we put him on Karicare Gold (according to my Dr it was the formula with the closest taste to breastmilk) and he never looked back.

I also didnt want to use formula (nothing against anyone) but we worked so hard on establishing breastfeeding, it felt like giving up. but even at 10months milk was such an important part of his diet, he needed it, and in the end formula was better then nothing.

Talk to your CHN, when I asked for advice on the same thing on a forum, some ladies said give bubba a week or so to adjust but if she doesnt dont feel bad for switching to formula.

[starangelk]

Thanks ladies for your responses.

Usplus2 - It's really nice to talk to someone who has been in my shoes. I am about 6w now and she has really no interest in BF at all. She will take the EBM though thank God. I have tried milk feeding before solids but it makes little difference. She is still drinking her milk and other than dropping her morning feed, which she did before the pregnancy anyway - she is still having 3 - 4 bottles a day. You are exactly right, I think I would feel like I was giving up considering the effort I have put into the BFing/expressing for her for almost 8 months. It's good to know that your DS switched without any dramas. Looks like the end of your pregnancy is very soon - I'll be stalking you for a BA

Nickle730 - she's still having plenty of wet nappies and drinks water from a straw cup quite often during the day. I have tried adjusting her solids and oferring milk first but it makes little difference, she will still drink the milk but only X amount. It's really the BFing that's the problem. She won't BF but she will take EBM and while I am happy to keep expressing, without BF's my supply is dropping off. Good to hear you haven't offered your Mum a bottle of formula - she might be a bit offended LOL. I am coeliac and have been advised to introduce wheat to DD's diet after 12 months so that's why I was looking for a GF formula. I didn't realise they might all be GF - seems like I might have some research to do!! Thanks so much for your advice.

After sleeping on it, I've realised I do want to perservere with the BFing but if she won't accept the breast soon, I am worried that my supply might continue to drop. I am expressing 5 times a day at the moment to try and increase supply and she's only having 3 or 4 bottles so hopefully that will be enough to keep it up. If we do move to formula, it won't be a full time swap - hopefully just 1 comp feed a day. Surely I'll still be able to get enough milk for 2 bottles a day!!

Thanks again so so so much.

[HotI]

Congrats on your pregnancy! I thought there was a sticky post on women who were pregnant and breastfeeding, i had a look for it but couldn't see it but hopefully someone else will find the link (if i didn't imagine it).

Here is some info from the ABA http://www.breastfeeding.asn.au/bfinfo/tandem.html

[starangelk]

Thanks Kate