Baby Only Nursing when sleeping | ExpatWoman.com
 

Baby Only Nursing when sleeping

16
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 06 May 2012 - 08:07

For the past four days my baby (5 month old) has wanted to nurse only when asleep/just woken up/ reallllly sleepy. She actively rejects my breast in between- getting angry on being offered it. If she has a longish awake period I try to -with great difficulty - give her a bottle of EBM. I have two questions:
1. is this just a phase/ nursing strike for which I need to tell myself that "this too shall pass" and when do I start worrying or consulting a paed?
2. If the phase ends up being long- are sleepy feeds enough?? I am worried that she is only eating enough to stay hydrated and not too much more

The baby does so far seem happy.

16
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 06 May 2012 - 12:24
Thanks Kiwispiers.. as of now I just feed her on either side of all naps and a couple of times during the night to ensure she is getting enough but reading the (stupid) internet has convinced me that babies don't take in enough during these sleep feeds, hence the worry!!
2782
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 06 May 2012 - 11:14
this happened to me, try and avoid giving the EBM unless you are really worried about dehydration. We had a one week nursing strike (I had to pump every feed) and another few days either side of fussy nursing. I took all bottles away and fed in short (3-5 min) bursts frequently, swapping back and forth between sides and kept an eye on his weight gain (which weirdly actually improved once I started feeding this way). He only ever really took longer feeds in the night and stayed a snacky feeder. Whatever you do don't consult a pead about this, nothing agains them they just have no clue about BFing, I've never met one that does, its just not part of their training and the only solution they can offer is to switch to formula. If you have breast-feeding problems and want expert advice you need a qualified lactation consultant, preferably an IBCLC.
 
 

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