Community› The Bump Month Clubs› January 2016 Moms
January 2016 Moms
New Discussion

Baby eating less

cali1710cali1710 member
edited June 2016 in January 2016 Moms
 She is 19 weeks and for the past 2 1/2 weeks I find she hasn't been eating as much as usual. She did go through a cold about two weeks ago but it has been a good week or so that she's been back to normal. She used to be able to down 6 to 7 ounces in the feeding five times a day and now she  drinks 5, 6oz if I'm lucky four times a day and even then I feel like I am more making her eat. She's her normal happy self and sleeping  OK during the day but is going through the sleep regression at night. Is anybody else's baby going through this? I don't think its teething as I don't see any teeth below the gums yet
Report Reply to Post

Re: Baby eating less

  • nackienackie member
    Mine is 18w and is BF so it's hard to tell, but recently he's been ridiculously distractable while nursing.  He's constantly try to suck on my shirt or my hand or his fist instead.  He does ok with daycare bottles though.  
    Report Reply
  • Loading the player...
  • ashleyandjodyashleyandjody member
    edited June 2016
    @cali1710 We definitely have the same baby! I called the LC last week because I was so worried about this same exact thing. DD is EBF so I don't know how much she takes, but I noticed her not wanting to stay latched long and then she started popping off and crying. The LC said it sounded like a nursing strike and it should clear up within a few days. Well it has semi gotten better. I start out nursing her and when she pops off, I give her the soother, and then when she spits that out I get her to latch on again. I do this until she is adamant about not wanting to eat. She's 18 weeks, and started doing this last week. I know she's gaining weight because I took her to the pedi a week before her 4 month appt and when we went to her 4 month appt she had gained 2 ounces. It made me realize maybe she isn't as hungry anymore. I know the wonder week app said that an ability after leap 4 is "pushes breast away when she has enough", so I'm chalking it up to she just isn't hungry and she will let me know when she is. I would call your pedi if you're concerned though because I know at my 4 month appt I felt relieved when the pedi said she looked great and was doing amazing.

    Edited for spelling 


    Baby Birthday Ticker Ticker Pregnancy Ticker
    Report Reply
  • cali1710cali1710 member
    Thanks ladies ! I'm sure she's gaining weight but I almost feel like I'm forcing her. Shes sooo distracted while eating lately and even when I'm in a quiet, non distraction area she still finds something interesting. She drinks so slow and just seems so uninterested. She was a hugeee eater since day 1 so its just so unlike her. She would cryyy for food at the 3 hour mark. On. The. Dot. Now at 4 hours she doesnt even fuss but I still try to feed her anyways. 
    Report Reply
  • teachmegs817teachmegs817 member
    It may be a little early for it, but you never know;  The 5th Leap for Wonder Weeks, indicates that 1 of the signs that the leap is approaching and that you're in it, is eating less.  Along with, sleeping less and possibly sleeping worse.  Granted, it does say that not all of these things happen at once or at all.  It could be the upcoming leap.  It's supposed to begin around week 23.
    Report Reply
  • kimber308kimber308 member
    edited June 2016
    My LO is going through the same thing. I don't bottle feed, so I can only tell that she's not taking in nearly as much when breastfeeding. Very distracted. More interested in other things than eating. She used to gulp ferociously, but now it's not as forceful and with many pauses. She ends up feeding for maybe 5 minutes less than usual because she just decides that she's done. It's good to know I'm not alone. 
    Report Reply
  • stephanienjerstephanienjer member
    cali1710 said:
    Thanks ladies ! I'm sure she's gaining weight but I almost feel like I'm forcing her. Shes sooo distracted while eating lately and even when I'm in a quiet, non distraction area she still finds something interesting. She drinks so slow and just seems so uninterested. She was a hugeee eater since day 1 so its just so unlike her. She would cryyy for food at the 3 hour mark. On. The. Dot. Now at 4 hours she doesnt even fuss but I still try to feed her anyways. 
    Eating slowly is what you want. When babies eat at normal bottle pace, they have no chance to breathe or stop the flow. Imagine a beer bong, or shotgunning a beer. Same idea.
    Your LO is learning to pace herself. Since she's not downing it in just a few minutes, her brain is allowed to receive the signal that she's full. That may be why she isn't completing her bottles. I know when I eat slowly, I eat less. 
    Report Reply
  • cali1710cali1710 member
    stephanienjer said:
    cali1710 said:
    Thanks ladies ! I'm sure she's gaining weight but I almost feel like I'm forcing her. Shes sooo distracted while eating lately and even when I'm in a quiet, non distraction area she still finds something interesting. She drinks so slow and just seems so uninterested. She was a hugeee eater since day 1 so its just so unlike her. She would cryyy for food at the 3 hour mark. On. The. Dot. Now at 4 hours she doesnt even fuss but I still try to feed her anyways. 
    Eating slowly is what you want. When babies eat at normal bottle pace, they have no chance to breathe or stop the flow. Imagine a beer bong, or shotgunning a beer. Same idea.
    Your LO is learning to pace herself. Since she's not downing it in just a few minutes, her brain is allowed to receive the signal that she's full. That may be why she isn't completing her bottles. I know when I eat slowly, I eat less. 
    I didnt think of it like that! Thanks! Her 5 month appt isnt for a few weeks so hopefully even though she isnt eating what she used to shes gaining steady weight. Thats my makn concern. If she doesnt eat all her bottle thats cool I just hope shes staying on track
    Report Reply
  • kimber308kimber308 member
    cali1710 said:
    stephanienjer said:
    cali1710 said:
    Thanks ladies ! I'm sure she's gaining weight but I almost feel like I'm forcing her. Shes sooo distracted while eating lately and even when I'm in a quiet, non distraction area she still finds something interesting. She drinks so slow and just seems so uninterested. She was a hugeee eater since day 1 so its just so unlike her. She would cryyy for food at the 3 hour mark. On. The. Dot. Now at 4 hours she doesnt even fuss but I still try to feed her anyways. 
    Eating slowly is what you want. When babies eat at normal bottle pace, they have no chance to breathe or stop the flow. Imagine a beer bong, or shotgunning a beer. Same idea.
    Your LO is learning to pace herself. Since she's not downing it in just a few minutes, her brain is allowed to receive the signal that she's full. That may be why she isn't completing her bottles. I know when I eat slowly, I eat less. 
    I didnt think of it like that! Thanks! Her 5 month appt isnt for a few weeks so hopefully even though she isnt eating what she used to shes gaining steady weight. Thats my makn concern. If she doesnt eat all her bottle thats cool I just hope shes staying on track
     Cali, is it formula or breastmilk?
    Report Reply
  • cali1710cali1710 member
    Formula
    Report Reply
  • kimber308kimber308 member
    cali1710 said:
    Formula

    cali1710 said:
    stephanienjer said:
    cali1710 said:
    Thanks ladies ! I'm sure she's gaining weight but I almost feel like I'm forcing her. Shes sooo distracted while eating lately and even when I'm in a quiet, non distraction area she still finds something interesting. She drinks so slow and just seems so uninterested. She was a hugeee eater since day 1 so its just so unlike her. She would cryyy for food at the 3 hour mark. On. The. Dot. Now at 4 hours she doesnt even fuss but I still try to feed her anyways. 
    Eating slowly is what you want. When babies eat at normal bottle pace, they have no chance to breathe or stop the flow. Imagine a beer bong, or shotgunning a beer. Same idea.
    Your LO is learning to pace herself. Since she's not downing it in just a few minutes, her brain is allowed to receive the signal that she's full. That may be why she isn't completing her bottles. I know when I eat slowly, I eat less. 
    I didnt think of it like that! Thanks! Her 5 month appt isnt for a few weeks so hopefully even though she isnt eating what she used to shes gaining steady weight. Thats my makn concern. If she doesnt eat all her bottle thats cool I just hope shes staying on track
    Hmm - I've heard that as they get older they develop at a lesser rate and require slightly less food. That could be it? Or maybe there's just something strange going on.
    Report Reply
  • cali1710cali1710 member
    She has her days where she eats normal and then she'll be off again. And shes going a bit longer between feedings so she doesn't get as many bottles. 
    Report Reply
  • kimber308kimber308 member
    Same! 5 feedings yesterday, but usually 7. It's always a surprise!
    Report Reply
  • grkgdss00grkgdss00 member
    Baby is more distractable these days... there's too much going on around them for them to bother with eating! I'm experiencing the same thing with LO at the breast, constantly popping on and off to look around which equals her taking in less and a lot longer sessions. So I started give her more bottles so at least I can move the bottle with her head, but still, always wants to see what's happening around her. Try feeding in a quiet room with no distractions (TV, sounds, etc) Also, have you started any solids? Maybe she's getting more nutrients there so isn't as interested in the milk.
    Report Reply
  • cali1710cali1710 member
    No no solids yet. I don't feel she is quitee ready but getting there. I think shes just really distracted. No matter where I go and how quiet of a room she finds something haha
    Report Reply
  • ChrissyD1203ChrissyD1203 member
    edited June 2016
    So my baby has been a poor eater since month 3 (now 5 months), she seems to hate it-- but she gains weight normally so dr wasn't concerned. However I noticed when we visit my family for the weekend and go off to feed in a dark, quiet bedroom she does much better. Additionally, we started oatmeal this weekend (she has been very interested in watching others eat real food and trying to grab for several months) and she was obsessed with it.  She would cry as soon as we put the spoon down to stop feeding her.  I'm planning on continuing to breastfeed until the 1 year mark, but am definitely relieved to see she doesn't hate all food, just breastmilk from the breast (as opposed to mixed with oatmeal and on a spoon)!
    Report Reply
  • klbhklbh member
    @ChrissyD1203 so interesting! I'm really eager to see how starting solids goes when my LO is ready. I do think he's becoming a more social eater, actually. He pops on and off a lot to look at me and his dad unless he's really starving after a long sleep. And he loves looking around when he gets a bottle. I get frustrated sometimes, especially when he starts chomping and whipping his head around while still latched (ow!), but I guess sociable mealtimes are what we're going for. It'll feel more pleasant when my boobs aren't involved though! 
    Report Reply
Sign In or Register to comment.
Choose Another Board
Search Boards
"
"