Help for a new BFing mom

l_elizabeth

My son is 4 days old, and I didn't BF my first son. Last night (our first night home) he was very fussy and would latch for a few seconds (maybe 20) and then pull off and then back on and then let out a high pitched scream. He was so frustrated and wouldn't latch at all, but this is after a long day of nursing well. Could he just be overtired? Needing to burp? Not hungry? I worry because my first DS stopped nursing well about this time and we eventually had to bottle feed. 

Today he's doing much better, so that's why I am so confused.

TIA 

NineTwentyOhEight

I think sometimes they just don't know what they want. Maybe he wasn't hungry but wanted to suck and was feeling frustrated? try giving him your pinkie to suck on for a few minutes and if he is still giving hunger clues try again. 

carpozi

If you're really committed to BFing, get a good lactation consultant (insurance usually covers them) and have them on standby for all these questions.  It could be you have too big of a letdown or not a fast enough one.  But a good LC should be able to help narrow it down and solve the problem almost instantly!  You can usually also call the ones at the hospital too but I had much better luck seeing one in person!

Glad he's doing better today though with it.  Keep at it!

KYmama9286

NineTwentyOhEight:

I think sometimes they just don't know what they want. Maybe he wasn't hungry but wanted to suck and was feeling frustrated? try giving him your pinkie to suck on for a few minutes and if he is still giving hunger clues try again. 

This-- DD was doing the same thing, she would nurse great at the LC's office and the next time at home but then it would be like she forgot what she wanted/how to nurse. The LC suggested try latching her on, if she wouldnt stay on and begin to eat then to take her off and let her suck on my finger for a second to help remind her that was what she was supposed to be doing. It actually worked really well and I am still using that trick when DD is extra tired or out of it. HTH!

luis&collette

Congrats on the new bundle of joy!! Breastfeeding is tough especially in the beginning weeks this is a new thing for both mom and baby. It takes a few weeks for baby and mom to get on the same page. From reading your post I would guess that he was just sleepy and was looking for comfort.  Also another reason might be that your milk has not came in yet. It can take a few days for the milk to come in. Also if you are having problems with the latch that can make baby upset too. I watched breastfeeding videos on YouTube and they help alot. Good Luck 

blu-eyedwife

Not that early, but at a certain point my guy started becoming a fussy eater during the evening.  I think its a combination of the "evening fussies" combined with the fact that flow is slower in the evenings. Doing compressions helps at first, but when that stops working I know he's just comfort sucking and getting frustrated that milk is coming out.  Then it's pacifier time.

Megan.10.06

A third vote for the pinkie trick - and for burping. My son will still do it if he needs to burp - but I don't know if that's because he has reflux or not. 

l_elizabeth

So he won't suck on anything except my nipple-- not my pinky, a pacifier or a bottle (we've only tried the latter two twice, after pumping). He has a slight tongue tie that we're going to the doctor for tomorrow and plan to get fixed, so maybe this is the bigger problem.

Thanks for all the suggestions ladies