Help Please!! DS 6wks keeps pulling off!!!

[keys12]

so as the title suggests i have a 6wk old DS. just in the last week or so, he has started pulling off and fighting me when feeding. when he wakes up he is desperate for food and will go on no problems. he will suck for approx 5 or so minutes, and then comes off to be burped. But then once he is burped he will not go back on! I try my best to encourage him to go on by guiding his head, but he is very strong and just stiffens his body and pulls his head away. I am terrified of forcing him because i dont want him to become traumatised and not take the breast at all!

so then i try and offer the other breast, and he might take this. But again not for very long. then the fighting and fussing starts again. eventually, we both become very frustrated with each other and i stop feeding him. he is not draining either of my breasts (i dont think...) and i dont think he is getting enough food.

He does have lots of heavy wet nappies, and is making no. 2s. he sleeps well, but can be hard to settle on occasions. he is also gaining weight and is generally content. I know that as they get older, their sucking becomes more efficient and they can get more milk in a shorter amount of time, but i still think he should be draining at least one breast.

can anyone tell me, why he takes the frirst breast initially, but then refuses after that???? he is making my nipples red and sore again!! I cant take this!!!

I think i need to call a lactation consultant??

thanks in advance

[Little_P]

An LC may be a good idea as they can watch you feed to see bubs behaviour. I know an awesome one in Brissie if you are here.

Have you thought about reflux? Does bub arch as if in pain? Google silent reflux and see if any symtoms are familiar. Both my children are reflux bubs and it is very difficult to feed and sounds similar to what you are saying. They pull and fuss on the breast and make a sort of 'eeeee' cry.

Another thing could be a really strong let down but if its only just started to happen, not sure if it may be that.

Best of luck

[lollygobble]

My three week old is doing the same thing.. My midwife suggested a supply problem. Im going to the dr tomorrow to get some maxalon or domperidone.

[BabyPaparazzi]

It could very well just mean that he is done. I've had a 5 minute feeder with DD2 from around that age, she is done and dusted in less than that now, only a couple of minutes and only usually takes one small with a small slurp of the other sometimes. Some babies just prefer smaller feeds, and the older they get the faster they get.

At 6 weeks yours supply is still regulating, so you may still have more that he requires. In time it will come down to be pretty much exactly what he is taking, but for now you will find there is left over if he is taking small feeds. If he is not draining the breast, there is not a supply issue.

If bubs is pretty much content the rest of the time I doubt its reflux.

Only suggestion though is try block feeding. It when you set a time period and only feed from one side. It ensures bubs gets more hind milk. I've had to do it with DD2 as her feeds were small and fast.

[JabberJaw]

It could very well just mean that he is done. I've had a 5 minute feeder with DD2 from around that age, she is done and dusted in less than that now, only a couple of minutes and only usually takes one small with a small slurp of the other sometimes. Some babies just prefer smaller feeds, and the older they get the faster they get.

At 6 weeks yours supply is still regulating, so you may still have more that he requires. In time it will come down to be pretty much exactly what he is taking, but for now you will find there is left over if he is taking small feeds. If he is not draining the breast, there is not a supply issue.

If bubs is pretty much content the rest of the time I doubt its reflux.

Only suggestion though is try block feeding. It when you set a time period and only feed from one side. It ensures bubs gets more hind milk. I've had to do it with DD2 as her feeds were small and fast.

saved me typing.

If bubs nappies a wet (and enough of them) plus weight gain, dont stress.

Eldest feed 10 min each side, youngest was a fast and efficient feeder, just one breast 10 min max.

[Moxy]

my DS does this when he's going through a growth spurt. i just finish up and offer again a little bit later (he's demand fed so no set feeding times).

might also help to change position. i find DS is less fussy in the football hold.