4 week old fussy feeder

[katiek]

My 4 week old DD is suddenly becoming fussy at my boob. After the let down she then latches on and off and seems very frustrated like she isnt getting enough. I then swap her to the other boob, she latches on fine and drinks for about 3-4 mins but once the initial let down is over she fusses again. I have been told to stop the feed when this happens and she cries of course and I feel terrible as I am worried she is still hungry and may not be getting enough. She is a little harder to settle too although generally I can't complain as she has been a "good baby" so far and on average I am getting 6-7 hours of sleep (broken) per night.

BF has been a breeze for both of us up until now and she has only started this fussiness in the last 2-3 days, it seems to be worse in the evenings too although this morning she was fussy too.

I do not think i have eaten anything unusual and she does not appear to be sick. I have read this sudden fussiness and refusal can sometimes happen esp in Robin Barker's BabyLove book but I didnt think it was supposed to happen at 4 weeks old??

Thanks for reading

Kate

[*Sal*]

Maybe you could try burping her halfway through. I know my DD1 used to get fussy at the breast because she would guzzle the milk and get air pockets, she had bad wind :( and would be squealing and pushing me away.

If your breasts are very full at the start of the feed, baby might not be able to get good attachment so you can express a bit off before putting her to the breast.

It's very frustrating, so I hope you get some answers soon.

Try ringing the ABA or lactation consultant if it doesn't improve.

Good luck

[Goosie22]

Hi

Try the ABA (http://www.breastfeeding.asn.au/bfinfo/index.html) site, they might have some helpfull info that will stike home for you.

Might be a growth spurt, she could be inpatient trying to stimulate your letdown. You could try expressing by hand just before latching her on so the milk is ready to go.

Hang in there its a step learning curve, I know you will rise to the Challenge.

[kadownie]

does she immediatley start fussing when you let down? If this is happening she just could be a bit overwhelmed with fast flow of milk- I would try feeding her until she fusses- give her a little break- maybe a burp-then attach her back to the initial boob until she fusses again, and then swap sides.

It's frustrating isn't it- you'll get there!! If it persists I would contact the ABA

[mythreelittlemonkeys]

ihave had this the last week or so...but for us it was coupled with reflux too... she stopped wanting to feed, really fussyonly draining oneboob - if that... we have changed feeding position to me leaning back ( stop fast flow) and her more upright and so far so good...though she still feeding less and more frequently and puking a little bit ...the pain and fussiness seems to be subsiding...

[katiek]

I saw a child health nurse today and she thought it was colic but i really do not think it is. I am burping her now more between each boob and so far today so good!

Thanks for all your tips

Kate