4 month old refuses to nurse

izivile

My 4 month old eats at both breasts (15-20 min each side) but then as the milk flow slows she starts pulling off, crying and not going back on. As if she didn't want to work for it anymore. Also I don't think she could be hungry anymore (I weigh her after each feeding and last feeding she took in 5.2 oz) but weirdly enough she never refuses the bottle...I am low on my milk stash so I can't keep giving her a bottle every time. This mostly happens in the evenings but today it happened at 5am. Then she rubs her eyes, acts tired but cries hell when we try to put her to sleep. I don't think it's a nursing strike because she nurses but just doesn't seem satisfied/happy afterwards. What can it be??? Help!!!

ashleyandbrett

Oh, no!  I'm so sorry!  This has happened to me a few times with my four month old too!  With mine, he won't even latch on and I know he is hungry, but I can warm up some pumped milk from the fridge and he eats as normal.  I wish I knew what was wrong and could offer some advice.   The first time it happened a few weeks ago, he wouldn't breastfeed ALL day.  Every time I would try, he would scream and cry, but would take a bottle just fine.  It's really difficult to have to pump and bottle feed each time...whew!  It also happened again for us just yesterday.  You could try this, since it worked a couple of times for me.  I only put a very small amount in a bottle, like maybe half an ounce. I would get him started on that and have my breast open and resting against his cheek.  Then, I would pull the bottle out and switch him to the breast quickly.  That worked for me yesterday.  He would nurse fine after that.  Maybe you could do the same.  When she stops, have a bottle ready to give her a couple of sips and try switching her back.  Poor baby!  I'm so sorry.  It's really upsetting to you, I know.  It's awful because you feel like you're doing something wrong. Hopefully, it won't last long.

izivile

Thanks so much for the advice! The trick with the bottle you are doing is worth a shot. I will definitely try!

PrimRoseMama

I think she is over tired & the effort of nursing might send her over the edge. Try nursing sooner. She takes the bottle because it's less work.

It could also be:
Ear infection
Teething
Thrush or mouth sensitivity

Check her gums & mouth. If it continues get the doc to look at her ears. Definitely try for bed sooner or nap sooner. As it stands it sounds like classic over tired.