LO Refusing Breast & Possible Teething

alicatnj

I also posted this on the 3-6 board. My LO has been refusing my breast most of the time for 4 days. She will nurse for her night feedings. But as soon as the morning comes and she is fully awake, she turns her head away from my breast and screams. I mean she freaks out! This morning she had a low grade fever and wouldn't even take the bottle. She's been gnawing on her hands and drooling more and more over the past couple of weeks. So I'm thinking maybe the breastfeeding issue is from teething? Anyone else experience this? And how did it turn out? She's seeing the doc on Monday, but I thought I'd check with other moms in the meantime.

Let me also say that it's kind of complicated because she also has reflux and she's always been kind of fussy at my breast, off and on. She's never fully refused to nurse though. We've recently seen a pediatric GI specialist and he increased her Zantac. Things seemed to be getting better. Then all of a sudden this happens. At first I thought maybe I wasn't making enough milk for her. She would latch, suck and then detach and get really frustrated. But I've been pumping like crazy for the last few days and I'm usually able to get 3-5 ozs per session (total after double pumping). That seems like a decent amount.

In addition to my heart breaking for her, I'm getting really nervous now because my milk stash has run out since she's only taking a bottle. I had to give her formula for the first time ever tonight, as I won't have enough milk left if she decides not to take my breast in the middle of the night tonight:( Thoughts? (sorry so long!)

BlueRidgeMama

Keep offering the breast. Be persistent. After a failed attempt, pump. I would not offer her any more formula, unless you are willing to stop BFing. If she is hungry, she will take the breast eventually. Good luck, and try not to beat yourself up about it.

alicatnj

Thanks! Sorry the original post didn't have paragraphs! I copied from my post on 3-6 and the paragraphs disappeared. That must have been a doozy for you to read! I appreciate your reply.

bparkhur

This happened to me too when my Lo was the same age as yours. I began ep-ing and have been lucky to keep my supply up. LO would scream at the breast, but he would take the bottle just fine. So here I am at 6 1/2 months still pumping away. I'd talk to your pedi and see what s/he recs.