claire - oh you poor thing! i know how frustrating and worrying that can be. i had the same problem with my second son. at about 8 days old he just started refusing to take the breast and i couldn't work out why. in the end we figured it out - he hated the Lansinoh nipple cream i was using. the minute i washed it off and presented him with a clean nipple he was back to feeding normally. i hope u find the answer soon hon. about the brauers im not sure - i have given it before, after and during a feed. if anyone knows if there is a 'proper' time to give it i'd also love to know xx