LO suddenly refusing to latch

kak808 · April 2014

So, let me start by saying that normally she eats 20-30 minutes a feeding on only one side. She used to eat for longer, but about 2 weeks ago the LC said to limit her, which seemed to be working ok. Her weight gain so far has been acceptable, though not brilliant.

Starting yesterday, she'd eat 5-10 minutes on the left boob, then unlatch and freak out -- clearly she'd still be hungry and would put her mouth on my nipple and sort of lick, but refuse to latch. She'd also start hitting/scratching my boob frantically. If I switched her to football hold, she'd relatch for another 5-10 minutes, but then come off again and continue to freak out. So I started offering the right side and repeated until she'd had both boobs in both positions. Today, she's started doing the same thing even when I start on the right side. It just breaks my heart when she won't relatch because she's crying and crying (with tears!) and shaking her head back and forth violently, clearly wanting food

We just did the full 4-position crying-heavy feeding and it lasted 55 minutes. She was actively sucking the whole time though, so I let her go as long as she wanted.

Could this be growth spurt related? Do I need to call the pediatrician? Am I losing my supply? We're both being treated for thrush currently (though she doesn't have spots in her mouth, it seems pretty clear that I have it) so I though maybe she didn't like the cream I've been putting on my nipples, but even after fully washing it off, there doesn't seem to be any improvement.

I've nearly broken down numerous times today, but we've had lots of visitors which has kept me from entirely losing it.

Any thoughts?? It makes me so sad to see her so upset

Beachmommy1029 · April 2014

Stay strong!! (As long as it works for you of course.) growth spurt related is probable and we've had thrush too. I've noticed that when B does this he has a giant burp stuck in him. Once I get that out he seems better. Thrush is awful tho, I hope you figure it out!

Ibliss · April 2014

My LO did this also. Luckily it only lasted a couple of days. I looked for signs of thrush, but nothing. It was so frustrating to try to get her to eat. Just keep at it and good luck.

1linedrawing · April 2014

My LO does this, too. It can be frustrating! I plan on talking my pediatrician. Good luck!

mamacrunch · April 2014

I didn't read others post so forgive me if it has already been covered, but when both of my boys did this it was always gas.

Burp them thereby were a-ok!
Have you burped lo?

kak808 · April 2014

Thanks for the reassurance...hopefully it will pass, but I have her one month check up on Wednesday, so I will definitely ask about it then if it hasn't gotten any better.

My husband recommended pumping and giving her that instead/in addition, so latching won't be an issue. I guess she could refuse the bottle in theory, but the few times we've given her one she's attacked it and downed it all super fast. He also keeps saying we should buy some formula "just in case," but I keep saying we shouldn't supplement unless the dr directs it, right??

kak808 · April 2014

mamacrunch Beachmommy1029: Thanks for the burping suggestion -- I will give that a try! I normally just burp her when she's done, but it's rare anything ever comes out.

mamacrunch · April 2014

don't buy formula. If it is there them temptation exist!
Don't buy formula.

breadpudding · April 2014

mamacrunch said:

I didn't read others post so forgive me if it has already been covered, but when both of my boys did this it was always gas. Burp them thereby were a-ok! Have you burped lo?

This was exactly my problem. It has been happening a lot lately and it has always been gas or because he was overtired and wanted to comfort suck but at the same time didn't want the boobs. Strange little critters, they are.

littlepig2 · April 2014

mamacrunch said:

don't buy formula. If it is there them temptation exist!
Don't buy formula.

I disagree. there's absolutely nothing wrong with formula and supplementing. we supplemented a few times when it was really necessary and I was beyond relieved to know it was there during the MOTN freak out. just because you supplement doesn't mean LO will stop nursing or that you're giving up. do what you need to and know there's nothing to feel bad about!

halfthetree · April 2014

I wouldn't be buying formula because of the thrush issue.
Babys gut can be affected by thrush and become gassier until its cleared. Adding in formula, which is entirely new and foreign to your babys gut, seems like a bad time.
As well, your supply could be affected by supplementing, and when baby won't latch and feed as well as normal, I wouldn't risk it. I'm all for supplementing when needed, I just would worry it would cause more issues when you could be so close to this being over.
Huge hugs, it sounds very exhausting, I hope you can get a bubble bath or other little alone time into your day!

inluv4life2 · April 2014

I agree about notintroducing formula. Sounds like thrush or possibly a forceful letdown. Is she gagging coughing or choking?

If you really think she's not getting enough to eat, offer BM in a bottle.

Sorry mama! Hang in there!

rachaelmary · April 2014

Ditto the gas comments! My LO does this when she needs to burp or fart!

BB0214 · April 2014

Do you possibly have an over supply? My LO did this for a while.It was because I have an over supply issue and she would get lazy when the flow would slow down.

slwprincess · April 2014

I think it's the thrush- not supply. So I wouldn't do formula for this alone. If you have some pumped milked, give that but if not... Give formula and don't stress! For petes sake- mama needs a break too! Thrush hurts like a mofo! Have DH give the bottle while you take a bath and relax and then pump so it won't hurt your supply.

kak808 · April 2014

Geez, I haven't been able to get on here all day! Crazy babies...

TyrannosaurusLex: I always burp her for a while, but it seems like her burps come up later, rarely right after. Very frustrating for both of us I'm sure! The LC said to limit her feeding times because she said beyond 20 minutes it was unlikely she was actually eating, just comfort sucking, and because my nipples were so torn up to give me a break. I frequently still let her go to 30 minutes though if she's actively sucking.

inluv4life2: I think I do have a forceful letdown. She used to cough and choke sometimes, but either it has lightened up or she's started to handle it better because that doesn't seem to be happening as much.

BB0214: I used to think I had an over supply, but when I pump I never get *that* much, so I'm not really sure anymore.

As far as relaxing, I actually tried to go out last night briefly with some of my old co-workers from the UK who were visiting. I was there 15 minutes before my husband called saying she was super hungry and inconsolable. I was only planning to be there about 45 minutes and was hoping I could come home 3 hours after her last feeding and she'd be ok, but she decided at 2.5 hours that she had to eat RIGHT THEN. My fault for hardly ever pumping and leaving the house without leaving milk behind, but it was a bit of a fail! I pumped a bit today though, so maybe I'll get a break at some point!

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