My 9 month old won't breastfeed - UPDATE!

[Nat26]

Hi Ladies,

Don't get to post much as so busy these days! Really need some advice..Jack has not had a single breastfeed now for over 48 hours He loves his food (eats anything) and has been eating fine -with a few sips of water from a beaker. Up until a few days ago getting him to breastfeed was difficult but he usually had at least one or two feeds a day. Everytime I try to breastfeed now he pushes me away and or screams!

Am I missing something? Please help - I don't express milk and he doesn't take bottles. What could be causing him to not want to feed??

I can feel my boobs are full so theres definitely milk there. I will have to express today if he still refuses to feed.

I have always been determind to breastfeed for at least a year and I'm not ready to stop yet - please help xx

 

[Sam's Mum]

Toby did this a couple of times when he had top teeth coming through - I had no idea what was wrong and Sam had never refused to feed so I was really worried because he would never take bottles either. I did express just to make sure my supply didn't decrease if it went on for a few days. Someone suggested putting teething gel on with a toothbrush and trying to feed him 20 minutes later. Can't remember if that worked or if he just started feeding on his own (there's probably a thread on here about it somewhere but can't look on my phone)

It's probably a nursing strike rather than him wanting to stop now (see bottom of this page) x http://kellymom.com/bf/concerns/child/back-to-breast/

 

[BevG]

hmm, i think you might have to accept that he dosent want to bf anymore, it is a possibilty that he would self wean. it could also be teething or something like that too. hes gonna need to drink something so id deffo make sure hes getting enough water. maybe speak to a lactation consultant or ring la leche league?

 

[Nat26]

Toby did this a couple of times when he had top teeth coming through - I had no idea what was wrong and Sam had never refused to feed so I was really worried because he would never take bottles either. I did express just to make sure my supply didn't decrease if it went on for a few days. Someone suggested putting teething gel on with a toothbrush and trying to feed him 20 minutes later. Can't remember if that worked or if he just started feeding on his own (there's probably a thread on here about it somewhere but can't look on my phone)

It's probably a nursing strike rather than him wanting to stop now (see bottom of this page) x http://kellymom.com/bf/concerns/child/back-to-breast/

Teething makes sense! He has both his 2 front top teeth coming through, one just through and the other is cutting now! hes a bit grumpy too so maybe it is the teething. I might try the teething gel and hope that works. Thanks for your help - I better go find my breast pump!

 

[BevG]

teething powder works great for me when shes fussy about latching cos her teeth hurt, she always latches on fine after some of that.

 

[Nat26]

hmm, i think you might have to accept that he dosent want to bf anymore, it is a possibilty that he would self wean. it could also be teething or something like that too. hes gonna need to drink something so id deffo make sure hes getting enough water. maybe speak to a lactation consultant or ring la leche league?

He is getting less interested in bf but I think thats because theres always something more interesting to do! I think I will just try expressing and giving it to him in a cup as I am very worried hes getting dehydrated. Thanks for your reply x

 

[Nat26]

teething powder works great for me when shes fussy about latching cos her teeth hurt, she always latches on fine after some of that.

Which teething powder do you use Bev?

 

[BevG]

just the generic nelsons one from most supermarkets

 

[pinkyprincess]

Omg this is my worst nightmare as Tyler doesn't like bottles and cups. Keep us updated! Hope it is just teeth!

 

[Nat26]

Omg this is my worst nightmare as Tyler doesn't like bottles and cups. Keep us updated! Hope it is just teeth!

Yes I know - Jacks the same - I get him to have a few sips of water but thats it and is all hes had for 2 days now Will let you know what happens - I'm just going to try to keep offering but not make a big deal it he doesn't take it but its easier said than done

I've tried the Nelsons teething powder but he still didn't want to feed...maybe I should give him some calpol??

 

[pinkyprincess]

Try calpol! I would. Have u looked at LLL or Kellymom for advice?

Lorna's baby had a few nursing strikes! She might be able to help

 

[l_maclean]

By all accounts of what I read 9months is too early for self weaning, that generally shouldn't happen till a year/18months.

Have you tried dream feeding him, G would feed while sleepy but screamed pushing me away if awake.

I'd try expressing to keep your supply up, don't get stressed cos he'll pick up on that.

Have you changed anything, perfume etc. I figured out G's strikes go incided with the bleeds I had on mini pill.

Kelly mom has good info. X


On my iPhone - so cant see tickers

 

[Nat26]

Well hes still refusing, he literally won't even face me when I go to feed him, I take him somewhere quiet with nothing else going on and he still does it

I don't feed at all at night time now - last night he woke at 5am so I thought I'd try feeding him then but as soon as i got him out and tried to he screamed even louder so I had to put him down and leave the room. He settled on his own quite soon after. I really don't know what to do, he barely had a sip of water with his dinner but ate his usual dinner and yogurt fine.

Before this strike, he kept pretending he was going to latch on and then biting me. In the end I was fearing him feeding as his teeth are so sharp! Maybe hes picking u on that?? I really don't know

 

[Nat26]

Oh and as for the pill effecting the feeding thats really interesting....I have recently come off the mini pill but I can't imagine that would make a difference??

 

[Sam's Mum]

I'm not sure the pill would make a difference. It probably is his top teeth making it uncomfortable for him, especially if he's biting you too. Did you try calpol? Or you could give him something cold to bite on first. I know it's probably hard for you to relax while you're trying but the more relaxed you are the more he should be too x

 

[Nat26]

I tried calpol, teething gel and teething powder and then tried to breastfeed him after about 30 mins. He still pushed me away and screamed I then tried expressed milk from a bottle and a beaker and he wouldn't take either....I did all this before his breakfast this morning so surely it was not because he wasn't hungry as he ate a huge bowl of ready brek after.

I'm just so upset about it now, I've booked him an appointment to see the doctor this morning as maybe I have overlooked something?? I really hope they can help because I really don't know what to do

 

[pinkyprincess]

I would be inclined to say you are better off going to a bf group as doctors know nothing (and don't NEED to know anything) about bfing so a lot of advice they give is opinionated and not medical itkwim?

 

[pinkyprincess]

Are you on Facebook? Search for dispelling breastfeeding myths they have been invaluable to me they post members questions and real bfing mums answer they generally have a wealth of advice

 

[Nat26]

Thanks Pinkyprincess...I will try the fb group. I will go to the doctors but not prepared to listen to them if they tell me just to stop breastfeeding!! Theres a local breastfeeding support group but its not until Friday and I really don't want to wait that long!

 

[mum2b410]

Hi Nat! Gosh can u believe our boys are 9 months already??! It only seems like yesterday we were overdue and willing things to start!!.................So sorry to hear of your troubles.....I stopped bf at 8 months so cant help too much, but if u do think its teeth I would give baby neurofen a go as it has worked better than calpol for us.....other than that some kind of bf support group, counsellor etc would b best to ask as PP says- someones bound to have been through this before. Dr prob wont help but b peace of mind for u I guess to know nothing medical wrong......bit concerning in the hot weather about how much fluid he is getting if not bf and not drinking water.......hope u get sorted soon hun xxx