Breastfeeding Problems?

Question

I have been exclusively breastfeeding since my baby was born (she'll be 6 weeks tomorrow).  We had some latching trouble initially, so I was using a breastshield.  I slowly weaned her from that about a week or so ago, and she did not seem to be having any trouble latching/eating. So I have not been using that at all.  I also occasionally pump my milk and have my husband give it to her in a bottle because I do plan to return to work and I want her to be somewhat used to getting a bottle.  We've been doing the bottle sometimes since she was around 2 weeks old & she didn't seem to have trouble going back & forth.

The problem:  The last few days, she seems to not want to breastfeed.  She acts hungry but then will only nurse a few minutes (maybe 5-10) and then she still acts hungry but will cry and scream when I put her to breast.  Yesterday she ate poorly all day, but when my husband got home, she did eat 3 oz of breastmilk from a bottle.  Today, same thing.  Will hardly nurse at all.  He tried to give her a bottle from the fridge but she wouldn't take to it-- I pumped a new one and he gave it to her warm & she took right to it!

I think she is only wanting the bottle.  How can I reverse this?  I still want to be able to nurse her and it's concerning and disappointing to me-- I don't want to have to stop breastfeeding and I don't want to have to pump constantly so she has a bottle.  Should I take away the bottle for a while? I don't want her to be hungry!  

Suggestions?

? · Accepted Answer

It is better for her to nurse with the nipple shield than not at all.  And we have had a large number of clients (in the hospital in which I work) who have used a nipple shield long term and exclusively breastfed.  It seems not to be a problems, even though I know it is a pain to have to use instead of going right to the breast.

The alternative is to stop *all* bottle feeding.  There is no guarantee, whether or not you continue to feed by bottle, that she will take it when you're ready to return to work.  In that case, you would need to work with her caregiver who would have to deal with the bottle feeding.

You might have to use the nipple shield intermittently for a while.  Perhaps she will nurse well without it, and then seem to need it again.  I don't think that is a serious problem.

Good luck with this.

Two boys are a joy! · Answer

If you had her on a nipple shield because of latch problems she obviously was having problems after taking bottle to being with. Anyway, stop all bottles for now. and don't wait for her to be crying to hunger. Offer the breast as soon as she shows signs like sucking fists after an active alert stage etc. Also try breast compressions while nursing.

Karina · Answer

Take away the bottle and reincorporate it when you will be exclusively bottle-feeding. Most babies prefer a bottle because it is easier for them to latch and to suck out milk. If you're not ready to bottle feed, try to avoid it as much as possible until you really have to. It is much easier for babies to figure out how to eat from the bottle than the breast. Also, you can heat the milk from the bottle in hot water to make it warmer for her. Good luck. 

If it really becomes a hassle, there is always formula. Don't worry too much.

? · Answer

personally, i'd almost think she's realised its easier to get milk from a bottle than boob. i'm wanting to do the same thing, and pump a bit when my baby is 6 weeks, but i'm too scared of this problem. you could always ask a public health nurse or a lactation consultant, see what they think.

lrios1229 · Answer

Check to see if he has Acid reflux, My son did the same thing and he is on prevacid.

Breastfeeding Problems?

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