XP: What should I do?

SandiaPinaMama · April 2011

LO is 4 weeks old. Lately, he is constantly trying to nurse on my arm, sticking his hands in his mouth, crying if I don't feed him immediately. So I feed him (duh). He stops actively sucking, so I take him off the breast, and the hungry behavior immediately resumes. This can continue for hours (tonight it started around 6 and it is now 9 and hasn't stopped). And then he pukes. I know that this is a sign he's overeating. He has had tummy troubles in addition.

Should I just keep feeding him?

Should I give him a pacifier (not my favorite choice)?

Is he just trying to suck because his tummy hurts?

I don't want my LO to be upset. I'm just not sure what he needs. Can anyone give me some advice please?

ETA: How do I distinguish between comfort nursing and hunger?

danienross · April 2011

I'm not an expert but it could be a few things. He might just want to comfort suck, or could be a growth spurt, or at that age evenings were awful with DD. Kellymom.com is a wonderful resource for all of those possibilities and probably a few more that I know nothing about. When DD would get like that, since I couldn't figure out a reason, I just continued to let her latch on. Of course DD has never been a pacifier baby. Hopefully, someone else can help more. Hang in there!

ailidespain · April 2011

I would suggest not taking him off the breast and letting him un latch on his own.

Good Luck!

cchill01 · April 2011

I don't think you're having a nursing problem, as much as a "witching hour" problem. Evenings were AWFUL with DD!!! I can't say this strongly enough. There was literally no pleasing her from 6 to 9pm.

Check out Happiest Baby on the Block. You can try swaddling and swinging and all their other recommendations. It helped us somewhat. Nurse whenever he wants to nurse, let him comfort suck if you don't mind it. You'll probably just have to keep changing it up, until you find something that works for him. We introduced the binky at around 4-6 weeks and it was a LIFESAVER.

They also spit up a lot during this phase. There is a fine line between spitting up and puking. Usually puking involves some kind of projectile force and should be cause for concern.

For me, this was absolutely the most stressful time with DD. Good Luck!

VMRRN23 · April 2011

DS went through a period like that too, but instead of taking him off the boob, just leave him on. DS would just rest and hang out for a few minutes, then suck again. Sometimes he would take a few effective sucks and swallows, and other times just use me as a pacifier. Just sit in front of the TV or get a book and get comfy.

DH would give DS a paci at that age only if it was late at night and he had eaten for a awhile (like 20 mins+ ) and was just using me as a paci and I was way too tired.We used soothies and he had no issues with nipple confusion.

DS would spit up a lot too at that age-pedi said it was just an immature spincter (flap that keeps stomach contents down).

At his age I don't think you need to distinguish between the two so much, just let him nurse and figure it out. I've heard a BF baby can't overeat at the breast.

Want a personalized experience?

XP: What should I do?

Re: XP: What should I do?

Choose Another Board

Search Boards