Help! Does this sound like a nursing strike?
I posted this on the Breastfeeding board but haven't gotten any responses yet, so I'm hoping maybe you all have some ideas. I have been doing pretty well BFing Noah for the past several weeks, but for the last couple days we've had some weird feeding sessions that today culminated in him apparently refusing to nurse. Initially, he started feeding off just one side for a couple of sessions when he has always up till now fed off both. Then today, he hasn't had a decent feeding since 10:30 this morning (it's now 6pm). He will nurse for a few minutes on one side then cries and fusses if I try to get him to latch again on either side. We tried having DH give him a bottle and he didn't want that either, just played with it. I have continued to try offering him the breast about every half hour or so and he will latch and suck for a min, and I think he's getting milk b/c he gets some on his face, but then he comes off and fusses and cries if I try to get him to latch again.
He's had a lot of wet diapers today and a couple big poopy ones. He is sleeping a lot too; slept late this morning, took a long 2 hr nap this afternoon, and is back to sleep again now. He isn't acting hungry or fussy when I'm not trying to feed him, although like I said he seems to be more sleepy and wants to be held more.
Is this something wrong with me, like maybe something I ate or something? Or could he be sick? He doesn't have a fever. He had an ear infection a couple weeks ago and had a course of antibiotics that ended last Thursday, so I wouldn't think that would be it. We have a pedi appt tomorrow to check that ear out so I guess I'll find out about that part for sure at least. I'm just really worried about why he doesn't seem to want to eat. Anyone have a similar experience? If he isn't acting hungry then should I just assume he really isn't? Any thoughts are appreciated!
Re: Help! Does this sound like a nursing strike?
Maybe he's having a bit of a growth spurt? Or maybe, though unlikely, but maybe it's teething?
If he still has wet dipes and poopy dipes, he's probably fine. I hope he drinks well again soon so you don't have to call the doc!
Thank you all so much - I just feel lots better knowing others have had similar experiences! To be honest, I'm feeling pretty foolish and paranoid now because about 5 min after I posted, he woke up from an abbreviated nap and had a great nursing session! So I'm sure it is as you all said and he is just going through some sort of phase. I swear, every time I think I'm getting the hang of this breastfeeding business, something else comes up!
I'll still be glad to see the pedi tomorrow and get him a clean bill of health!
Looks like it's getting resolved - glad to hear that.