DD wont latch!

inthewater

So I just got back from being away for about week from DD. She was a great nurser and had no issue taking a bottle. While away, she got sick with a slight ear infection. Yesterday afternoon was the first time I saw her and she wouldn't nurse. I thought it was because she spiked another fever, but she didn't nurse even after it went down. This morning I stayed at home to work in the morning to see if I could coax her to nurse in the morning and it's another no go. Is she ever going to want to go back to nurse? If so, do you have any recommendations on how to do this? TIA!

car_ramrod

Sometimes with ear infections it hurts them to nurse due to the sucking.  It is easier to eat with a bottle.  I would continue to offer and she will probably get the hang again.  I had something similar happen with my DS1 and once he was fully better (not just fever gone) he went back to nursing.  It may just take some time. 

lauralovesbob

I went through a period recently (while we were on vacation with no pump) where DS suddenly wouldn't nurse. I found that when he was sleepy (just waking up from a nap) was easier to get him to nurse. Also tickling the corner of his mouth so he'd open up helped. And kind of embarrassing, but I had to spray some milk in his mouth so he'd remember that it was time to eat! That being said, he wasn't ill as far as I could tell, so I think PP's thoughts about the ear infxn are appropriate too.

inthewater

thanks! It seems like the sickness is the only thing that's changed from before. I've been on work trips for a week in the past and came home nursing just fine. Fingers crossed it's just the ear infection that's not allowing her to want to nurse.