Ok girls- what is going wrong.....

**Imogensmum** · 10-11-2005 06:56

My DD-4 months today (YAY) has begun refusing the breast- she will scream, push me away, stiffen her body, scream, clamp her mouth shut, vomit oh and did i mention scream???????

I am trying not to stress her out- because i know a baby can't starve herself but it is starting to worry me! I can't get into clinic til tuesday, but at the moment i am lucky if she take 2-3 feeds a day! And if she does it is really short feed and then some more yelling

!

I am not sure if it is her teeth as they have been showing their white pearly heads and then disappearing again, or if it is pain????

I had tried her on farex about a fortnight ago, but i stopped giving it to her when this all started (1week ago) but still no increase! What is happening? Where did i go wrong???? My usually placid baby is turning before my very eyes

!!!!

HEEEEEEEEEEEEELLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLPPPPPPPPPPPPPPP PPP pulease!!!!!! Any advise is really wanted!!!

**draught** · 10-11-2005 07:04

I don't have an answer for you but have you tried the various ACT helplines? The number I have for the ABA there is 62588928 and the Tresilian Parent helpline is 1800 637 357.
Wish I had an answer for you!

**Chickadee** · 10-11-2005 07:12

Shannan,
Has she had bottles and how is your let down? When my DD lost weight I put her on formula intending it as a supplement to b/f. But she took to the bottle immediately and hated the breast after. She would not wait and work for the let down but did as yours is (except the vomitting).

Talk to the ABA and also a lactation consultant if you can get in to see one as an emergency.

All bubs do seem to go through a period around 4 months when they are more interested in the world around them than in the breast. There have been lots of discussions on here. But your daughters behaviour seems to be a more extreme rejection.

Stick with it & keep offering. If she's still refusing you might want to express some to keep your supply up.

**Imogensmum** · 10-11-2005 07:19

MarthaM- She won't take the bottle at all- i tried it all lastnight- breast, bottle with F, bottle with B/M, bottle with water- all to no-avail! And Imogen then proceeded to scream for 40mins in my arms til she fell asleep sobbing!!!

I am going to give those places a call today!!!! Thanks girls!!!!

**Chickadee** · 10-11-2005 07:28

It might be a pain or illness thing? I assume you've tried different positions for b/f and also bottle feeding so unlikely to be associated with a feeding position. My dd was older than yours, but the last time she had gastro she started refusing all drinks, her tummy was that upset. If she'd been younger and unable to talk I imagine her refusal would be much like your daughter's - stiffening, screaming etc. I'm just wracking my brain here for ideas, might be way off base. I hope the the ABA volunteer can suggest something.

**Manxie** · 10-11-2005 07:31

Hi Shannan

Sorry no answers but saw your post and just wanted to send you and Imy a big hug. I hope that the various helplines can get you sorted out

Let us know how you go.

**Tea Lady** · 10-11-2005 08:01

You could alway try a doctor - they should at least be able to check the health side of things. I imagine if she had an ear infection it would hurt if she sucked and if she has a sore tummy she may not be enjoying the milk she gets. I'd definitely try to find out if you should be trying to give her some water (although I know this is not "the thing" for bf babies) in case she is getting dehydrated and can't tolerate the milk. I don't know if it's possible for that to happen, but you could at least ask someone I guess.

L

**Rainbowbrite** · 10-11-2005 11:52

I'm so sorry bubs nor co-operating. MJ went through a phase of doing that, & still does if she's not hungry. Have you tried feeding her in a defferent location? I find if MJ wont co-operate, i go and lay down on the bed & feed her there. Its the only thing that works. I'd go to a Dr or lactation consultant like suggested.

Off topic slightly but MJ refuses a bottle too, and a cup, and a sippee cup etc

Goodluck, keep us posted

RB

**Imogensmum** · 10-11-2005 14:58

well- today has been slightly better- we have had 2 feeds and i just held her there yelling til she latched on! she didn't drink for very long but i felt better because she had something in her belly!!! I also gave her some water in a cup- lots of mess but again felt better for the little amounts that went in!!!

Going to the GP tomorrow- will keep you all posted!!!

**Bella-Archie** · 10-11-2005 15:24

I know exactly how you feel .....Bella my first baby did exactly the same thing ....I tried everything to get her to feed but she wouldn't !!! I went to he doctor and they couldn't tell me what was wrong but reassured me that a baby won't starve itself and that perhaps my milk was coming a lot quicker than normal and she was getting enough in the few sucks she was having !!!!

In the end I on advice from a natropath I looked at my diet ....and it was the begining of summer and I had started to eat alot of stone fruit ..... I cut down on that and within a couple of days things had settled down ..... I don't know if eating the fruit was upsetting her or things just got better but it only lasted a week ........hope that helps !!!!