Breast refusal, or dropping a feed?

[Campari]

My DD, 6 months old next week, has been really really fussy on the breast for the last month or so. It's a struggle to get her to have a "proper" feed... I have been feeding her on demand since she was born and she was doing really well and feeding very regularly - had put on loads of weight and is happy and healthy. But lately, she will go for maybe 6 hours without a feed during the day if I let her - I am encouraging her to feed after 4 hours, but she just takes two sips and keeps pulling off, and really doesn't want to go back on... It seems like she just doesn't want to be on the boob at all.

She has just started to have a few teaspoons of solids (farex + banana, pumpkin etc), and I always offer the breast first, but she simply wont suck! She is then happy to eat from a spoon though.

Her weight gain has slowed a bit -she only put on 150g in three weeks. I am also worried that she isn't getting enough fluids. She doesn't have the same heavy wet nappies that I'm sure she used to have. Her wee is still clear and she still does 2 or 3 poos a day though.

How many feeds does she need during the day? Is it too few just to have 3? She feeds well at 3am in the morning, and OK at 7am, but the rest of the day I really have to battle with her. I've tried feeding her in a darkened room but still no luck.

As well as worrying about her possibly weaning herself way too early, I am worried that my supply is going to drop hugely.

Should I be worried? Or is it normal for babies to feed only every 5 or 6 hours once they are 6 months old? Should I give her water from a sippy cup?

Sorry for long post....

TIA,
Rhi

[MantaRay]

Big hugs Rhi, it can be so hard to know what they are doing! I honestly can't remember how many feeds a day the boys were having at that age, but I think it was more than 3. They did both cut back quite a bit at that age though and definitely the weight gain slows right down. It sounds to me like your DD is getting enough milk. Just beware of increasing the amount of solids too quickly and having her reduce her milk intake. I think as long as you are getting wet and dirty nappies and some weight gain, and offering the breast frequently, she will be fine.

[Campari]

Thanks MantaRay!
I've been trying all different tactics to get her to feed, and I've had a bit of success by waiting about 4.5 hours, and then feeding her in a dark quiet room, with me singing to her!!! Also she feeds well if I get her while she's drowsy and still waking up after a sleep... Ahhh, the things we mothers go through! Four months ago I was probably posting about my DD wanting to feed TOO often

Also, I've just taken her to the Dr for her 6 month shots, and she suggested I put some extra EBM in with her solids, so I'll do that too. Milky pumpkin soup for dinner for her tonight!!!

Thanks again!

[jessicat]

Thanks for this thread. I have been having similar issues with my soon to be 8month old girl. Has two feeds overnight (7pm-7am) and then one mid morning, arvo and at bed. Sometimes she doesnt want that much, but will guts down solids. She is eating heaps! But maybe am giving her too much? Only thing is she is gagging for it - mouth wide open and ready for the second spoon before I've even got food on it sometimes! I worry my milk is decreasing (used to feed every 2-3 hours, but now sometimes geso six-seven hours during the day between a feed despite me dangling my boob in front of her at every opportunity!!!! However this is mainly in the morning - so I'm guessing her night feeding is proping her up for longer than if she slept through and did not feed.

Have found feeding right after naps is good time as has deep drinks then. And I think I have to try and feed her in quiet area, otherwise gets so distracted has only a few sips if we are out and about (but will eat all her solid!). I'll try the EBM with the food - thanks for that tip.

She also loves taking water from a sippie cup - aparently my boobs just aint as exciting!

I think I will try and express more regualry to keep up supply and pop some into her meals...which I my try to decrease the amount of. How much do they generally eat at 8 months. She will have about 3/4 -half a cup.

Cheers,

jessicat