she doesnt want to drink

[aodhan-n-ciara]

HI all,
I hope that someone out there can help with some advice. Our DD is 4 weeks old, had been cruising along wonderfully, having 100mls per feed every 3-4 hrs. In the last 24 hrs she has decided she only wants 40-50 mls per feed and then wants feeding again at 2 hrs. That is fine during the day, but REALLY hard at night.:thumbsdown: :banghead:

I burp her in between and then try her again, I tickle under her chin which stimulates the sucking reflex, but only for a few sucks, we have even trien compressing the teat a little so some milk goes in her mouth, but this only works for a short time also.

Can anyone help with any ideas, advice or strategies to try and get her to drink more? The maternal and child health nurse said to let her cry until the 3 or 4 hours are up, "that will make her drink more" she said. But if she is getting distressed, I think that is cruel, especially seeing as she is only 4 weeks old.

Any advice will be much appreciated. :confused:

[poshBecks]

She's probably having a growth spurt. They like to snack a lot during growth spurts. Things will return to naormal again soon. :hugs:

If you are really concerned it wont hurt to see your local Doc or heath nurse just to be sure. But I wouldn't worry too much unless she begins to lose weight.

[poshBecks]

HI all,
The maternal and child health nurse said to let her cry until the 3 or 4 hours are up, "that will make her drink more" she said. But if she is getting distressed, I think that is cruel, especially seeing as she is only 4 weeks old.

That is cruel!!!!! I only just read that properly. You never leave a newborn baby to cry like that. I really think she's snacking coz she's having a growth spurt. Once she starts to drink her full bottle again try & up it to 120ml or 150ml. :hugs:

[aodhan-n-ciara]

thanks girls! didnt think of that, and considering she has grown 5 cms in 4 weeks, probably should have. just soooooooooo tired, brain has turned off i think

[Mrs Little]

That is TOTALLY cruel.

Newborns can feed as close at 2.5 hrs. I wouldn't be feeding any sooner though or she would be snacking.

Try to keep her awake while she feeds. Maybe dangle some toys to keep her awake or stimulate to suck?

Do you have a feed wake sleep routine happening?

Mrs Little & Son.

[Chickadee]

It might reassure you to add up how much she is drinking in total through the day. A general guideline is 150 ml per kg of weight. So with all her little feeds she may well be getting more than you think :)

I agree with not making her cry and wait three hours.

You might try moving up to the next faster flow rate teat, (if they have to suck too hard it can tire them out) but I doubt that is really the problem if helping her by compressing the teat hasn't helped.

[aodhan-n-ciara]

Thanks girls. Ciara has just had a feed, 80mls, thats more like it. I just worry, being a mum and also an emergency nurse who has seen failure to thrive and dehydration.

we are starting to get into a sleep-feed -play routine, she seems to like it, and its good that she is finally awake long enough for some play time.

we moved her up to the number 2 teats over the weekend, so I know its not that, unless she is filling her belly up too quick, and thinks she has had a full feed.

trial and error......thats what I keep telling myself.

from one dream baby who was on a 4 hrly routine right from birth, to a babe who is keeping us on our toes. so hard, but so wonderful too

Thanks again everyone :smiliedance: