XP: He's refusing to Breastfeed - Help!!

Smellygirl

My poor DS has just up and stopped wanting to breastfeed today.  He screams every time I put him to the breast.  Then when I give him a bottle of EBM he downs it.  I have tried everything - trying to put him to the breast before he gets really hungry, once he's really hungry - expressing milk before he eats to make sure I'm not too full...I really am at a loss...to make it worse, we're taking him on his first road trip to visit DH's family 6 hours away tomorrow, and it's going to be a REALLY long trip if I have to pump before I feed him every time.

Any advice??

JLS0320

Could be a nursing stroke, we had the same problem a couple weeks ago. I was told to not give him a bottle, but he would only refuse for a little bit and finally give in when he was really hungry, it only equalled maybe 2 missed feedings a day. It lasted 4 days I think, and even now he will occasionally do it. Try not to stress, if he freaks out when you try to nurse, try again calmly and then go do something else for a few minutes if he still refuses. This worked for I us I hope it does for you!

christie.h

I had this problem for about 3-4 days with DS. He would scream if I tried to nurse him on my right side and was only sometimes okay with the left. I just kept trying and didn't offer a bottle. Try changing positions or holds. Sometimes he would calm down or get over it if I moved from our reg spot in the recliner to sitting on the bed with the boppy under him or laying side by side on the bed or doing the football hold with the boppy. I know it is sooooo rough. I cried every time he did and DH had to really help me get through it. I was so overwhelmed by not knowing what his issue was. Eventually he got over it and now we are fine.

Try not to give a bottle unless you have to and goodluck!!!

Sally J

Have you eaten anything different or unusual?  Something spicy, greasy, lots of dairy?  Did you use a new perfume or lotion?

Try nursing in the most comfortable spot in the house (is there typical spot you nurse).  It's likely a nursing strike and will pass in a couple of days.  Hold out on giving him the bottle unless too much time passes (4-5 hours or whatever you are comfortable with) and he will take to the breast.  Stay calm and be patient because he can pick up on your stress/frustration.