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LeoMama
LIF Infant
Member since 1/10 192 total posts
Name:
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DS won't BF anymore, need advice!
DS is 3 months and I have been BFing with formula supplementing. I have low supply and have tried EVERYTHING to increase it, but had no choice but to give him a little formula at the end of each feeding since he was a week old. All of the sudden for the past 3 days he won't breastfeed for longer than 5-10 minutes per side, when he used to spend 20-25 minutes on a side. He will spit it out and refuse to take it again, even though I know he's still hungry and there is still milk. He just refuses to even turn his head and freaks out crying if I try to latch him back on.
Any thoughts?? I am so afraid he is telling me that he is done BFing but I am not ready to give it up. 
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Posted 12/11/12 11:25 PM  |
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LiveItUp
Love my babies!
Member since 8/11 4096 total posts
Name:
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DS won't BF anymore, need advice!
I read somewhere that some babies get used to the faster flow of bottle nipples and then get frustrated w the extra work they have to put in too get milk from the breast. Could it be that? If I were you I would ask my pediatrician first but maybe if you pump and give it to him in a bottle he'll drink it.
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| Posted 12/12/12 7:01 AM |
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SandL
LIF Adolescent
Member since 4/12 541 total posts
Name:
L
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Re: DS won't BF anymore, need advice!
Like a pp mentioned, it's probably because he is getting frustrated at the breast by how slow the milk is coming out, vs. the flow of a bottle. Maybe try using a slower flowing nipple. We had success with the breastflow bottles. DH would feed DS a breast flow filled with breastmilk, and ds had worked to get the milk out, rather than having it come out fast.
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| Posted 12/12/12 7:27 AM |
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Grill
LIF Adult
Member since 4/09 994 total posts
Name:
J
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Re: DS won't BF anymore, need advice!
Both my babies only nursed for 5-10 minutes. Maybe he's just full. You could still have milk in there because your supply and his demands are not balanced yet.
The other thing to consider is that if he has an intolerance or sensitivity to dairy or other common offenders (soy, eggs, gassy veggies) your milk could be causing him pain. In that case, most babies turn away and refuse to take any more. They drink what they need to live and nothing more.
And, lastly, as PP mentionned...babies that are supplemented from a young age often prefer the bottle to nursing since it is less work. I would recommend decreasing bottle time. It's a very rare mother who can't make enough milk for her baby. It does take time for the supply to regulate and even the most confident moms have questionned whether they have enough. Just keep nursing every 2 hours during the day and on demand at night and you will produce what your baby needs.
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| Posted 12/12/12 7:29 AM |
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ko123
My loves!
Member since 10/07 3002 total posts
Name:
Kristin
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Re: DS won't BF anymore, need advice!
As they get older they spend less time at the breast bc they become better at getting the milk they need. However it may also be frustration as others have stated. I would just keep offering him the boob and possibly less bottles?
Good luck. I hate to think of the day DD2 stops nursing, but I know it's inevitible.
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| Posted 12/12/12 9:56 AM |
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LeoMama
LIF Infant
Member since 1/10 192 total posts
Name:
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Re: DS won't BF anymore, need advice!
Thanks everyone, today has been a lot better, he nursed 5 times so far without incident. I think it may have been gas, so I am really watching what I eat now. I am also going to try and limit the formula after nursing to only when he is really screaming for it.
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| Posted 12/12/12 7:38 PM |
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MrsT809
LIF Adult
Member since 9/09 12167 total posts
Name:
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Re: DS won't BF anymore, need advice!
Posted by LeoMama
Thanks everyone, today has been a lot better, he nursed 5 times so far without incident. I think it may have been gas, so I am really watching what I eat now. I am also going to try and limit the formula after nursing to only when he is really screaming for it.
That's great. DD used to have some days where she seemed uncomfortable and struggling during a lot of feedings and I thought it was gas also. I also worried about milk allergies. When I brought it up to the ped he brushed it off and said I'm just used to her being such a happy baby. Thankfully those days passed.
I also had many days where I questioned my supply. The more you put DC on the breast you'll better off you'll be. Also cutting down on the supplementing will help. If you're not using it, you won't make it. And if you're not demanding that your body make the amount DC wants, then it won't. Keep in mind that that amount is changing all the time and our bodies are built to adjust. Keep it up!
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| Posted 12/12/12 7:50 PM |
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lcherian
He is the reason!
Member since 2/06 2512 total posts
Name:
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Re: DS won't BF anymore, need advice!
I would stop supplementing if you can. The more you supplement the less you will produce. Nurse on demand. Who knows, maybe the formula is upsetting his tummy. Good luck!
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| Posted 12/12/12 8:42 PM |
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LeoMama
LIF Infant
Member since 1/10 192 total posts
Name:
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Re: DS won't BF anymore, need advice!
I would love to be able to nurse on demand, and I know it will help with supply, but with a 2 year old running around also it's hard to take the time Still trying to find a balance! Thanks again for the advice and support
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| Posted 12/12/12 9:42 PM |
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violet25
LIF Infant
Member since 8/12 101 total posts
Name:
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Re: DS won't BF anymore, need advice!
I would try to minimize supplementing and bottle time. If you have extra milk left over, its probably not a supply issue. I would maybe try to pump after those feedings (simple wishes makes a great hands free pumping bra so you wont be tied down) and then you can offer that milk rather than formula.
Another thing you may want to try is wearing the baby and nursing. I have never tried this myself but friends of mine swear by it.
When my DC got older nursing sessions shortened bc they get more efficient
Good luck
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| Posted 12/14/12 9:57 AM |
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