Baby rejecting the breast

Re: Baby rejecting the breast

• NeonNoon member

  June 2015

  We went through a similar situation when DS was younger.  He was born 7 lb 2 oz, but he needed supplementing with formula right away.  When his labs didn't improve fast enough and jaundice set in, the pediatrician got us to feed only formula.  I did this for only a couple of days, and continued to let him comfort nurse in between (and pumping).  Once he was in the clear, we really struggled to get him off the formula.  He seemed to really like the ease of feeding from a bottle, he seemed to like the taste, and he seemed to like the feeling of fullness afterwards.  His doctor commented on how full his belly was at one examination.  I guess he was overfeeding.  I had to really push him over the course of 2 weeks to work to get the breast milk. It was easy to go to half BF/ half formula, but very hard to go to 100% BF.  At times he did seem hungry and I would cave.  We got there in the end.  The formula was giving him gas and the like, so he didn't exactly prefer it.  Strangely, when I give him breast milk from the same bottle on occasion, he doesn't guzzle it down like he did with the formula.

  
  

  Good luck with your decision!

  Report0 Reply
• Loading the player...
• bee19831 member

  June 2015

  I have been battling the same thing !! So frustrating ! I have been using mothers milk herbal supplements and went to a lactation Specialist . I also made lactation cookies and drink lactation tea!! Trying to up my supply , because my son would get so mad at the breast cause I don't have enough milk . I Do pump if he doesn't nurse but only every second feeding , or its to crazy ! Only for 10 minutes as well. I always start with breast then when he gets mad I supplement with formula . It's ReaL hard , best of luck . You do what you have to do to keep yourself happy ! If you have to use formula that's ok

  Report0 Reply
• sunnyday016 member

  June 2015

  Why did they tell you you'd have to supplement with formula right away?

  S- March 09 E- Feb 12 L- May 15
  

  
  

  
  

  Report0 Reply
• PrimRoseMama member

  June 2015

  sslager said:

  My daughter is 10 weeks and is rejecting the breast. She was born a big baby at 10 lbs 7oz and from day one the doctors told me I will have to supplement with formula. I tried to strictly breast feed until she got jaundice. So I've been feeding her both breast then she gets formula, but because of this my supply has gotten low and now she'll nurse for maybe 5 mins on one breast if I'm lucky then freak out. I don't want her to go hungry so I give her the bottle but not breast feeding is now making me depressed. I think about it all the time and I feel like I'm failing her cause I want to breast feed so badly. I think about giving up but that makes me more upset. I don't know what to do and I really want to hear your options and experiences to help me decided if I should keep at it or give up.

  Have you seen a lactation specialist?
  
  Also, check her ears. Fluid or infection can make it hurt to suckle at the breast.
  

  
  LFAF Summer 2016 Awards:
  
  
  
  
  

  Report0 Reply
• PrimRoseMama member

  June 2015

  bee19831 said:

  I have been battling the same thing !! So frustrating ! I have been using mothers milk herbal supplements and went to a lactation Specialist . I also made lactation cookies and drink lactation tea!! Trying to up my supply , because my son would get so mad at the breast cause I don't have enough milk . I Do pump if he doesn't nurse but only every second feeding , or its to crazy ! Only for 10 minutes as well. I always start with breast then when he gets mad I supplement with formula . It's ReaL hard , best of luck . You do what you have to do to keep yourself happy ! If you have to use formula that's ok

  You should actually do the opposite. Try a tiny bit of formula (slowest flow) first. An oz. then breast feed. It's easier to latch & feed baby with the "edge" off. Then let them BF until they until they are done.
  
  Formula isn't bad but if you use it too much then your supply will suffer.

  
  LFAF Summer 2016 Awards:
  
  
  
  
  

  Report0 Reply
• ANewDawn9056 member

  June 2015

  Hi there,

  
  

  Some women simply can not product enough breast milk. It's nothing wrong with you! My sister had a similar situation. I would highly recommend seeing a lactation consultant. 

  Report0 Reply
• rah6191 member

  June 2015

  when my babies were fussy at the breast it was usually gas pains and i would burp and rub their tummy once it passed they would eat normally.

  Report0 Reply
• ccarrozza1 member

  June 2015

  I had the same problem only my baby was a preemie...even at 8lbs 3oz at birth they still considered her a preemie- so she wasn't ready to breast feed yet. Plus, She had jaundice and had to be put under the lights for a few days so bf was nearly impossible. We tried to avoid using the bottle in the beginning so she wouldn'r become reliant on it - we used syringes and then the cup when we had more to offer...but it was too much to feed her with the cup and or syringe after a few days so we were forced to use the bottle....
  
  It's been a struggle to get her to latch and drink for any length of time now. Don't feel bad. She already had breast milk for 10 weeks even in small amounts it is beneficial. You are not alone in feeling sad or frustrated. I feel it too

  Report0 Reply
• ccarrozza1 member

  June 2015

  They say that yeast can create more milk - that's why some people say drinking a beer every once and a while can make you produce more milk. I also ate one of those lactation cookies which made me produce a lot. Not sure if it's placebo effect or the real deal. They also make teas that can help.

  Report0 Reply