Please help

[rrodemaker]

I'm so frustrated! I thought we were done with this, but it's starting again. DS is almost 7 mos. old and has started biting and pulling and pitching my breast again! OUCH!! I started my period a couple weeks ago and I know that can change the taste of my milk, but I guess I don't know how to deal with a nursing strike if that's what this is. I know the best way to stop biting is to stop nursing immediatly, but I am concerned that he's not getting enough. We were at the dr. today and he's only gained 1 1/2 lbs. in 2 mos., which is on the low side of OK. He also only has 5-6 wet diapers a day. He seems happy and satisfied, but I'm just not sure he's getting enough. My supply has kind of gone down the tubes between him not nursing as much and starting my period. I've done the fenugreek and blessed thistle with not much results. He only gets 1/4-1/3 cup of cereal with juice/day. No other solids yet. What else can I do? TIA for any advice!

[nbuttery]

I have a two month old and she does that pulling thing a lot recently. She will be hungry and crying to nurse but then she will latch on and pull off latch on and pull off over and over again and continue screaming. Often I have to stop and try to calm her down and try to start nursing again in a little while. Is this normal??????

[threefunboys]

If you don't want to stop the nursing session immediately (his actions may indicate he's not really serious about eating at the moment, your milk flow may have slowed down), I would sternly say "no" when he does it. Also, if I hold my DS's free hand he doesn't pinch me as much. He doesn't realize it hurts you, of course, but he's old enough to learn that certain behaviors have certain results, I think.

About the weight gain--I wouldn't put too much stock in that. During the first six months they gain weight really fast, but the weight gain slows as they start sitting up on their own and being more mobile. It also depends a little bit on where on the chart he is. If he's staying in about the same percentage, I wouldn't owrry. My DS had his 12 month checkup about a month ago, and he had actually lost about half a pound. However, he went from 90% to 55%, so the Dr and I weren't concerned. But if he had gone from 50 to 5%, it would have been another story. Bottom line--if he's happy and content, throw that weight chart out the window.

Nicole--is she colicky? That may be your problem. Or your letdown may be too strong so she's getting too much milk right at first. Try to nurse her so her body is at an angle (45 degrees at least, or as close to that as you can). I've also heard of people (when let-down is the problem) nurse with the baby on top of the breast (lie on your back) so gravity keeps them from choking on the milk, but I never could figure out how to do that. I think my DS did that when he was little but he grew out of it. GL!

[rrodemaker]

Thanks threefunboys! I appreciate it lots and you just confirmed what my LC said today when I called her. Nicole, I feel your pain and agree that it may be a letdown problems. Mine was also very forceful with my dd. Also, if you have an oversupply, you may want to take a look at the different ways to decrease your supply. The easiest way is to nurse on one breast for every feeding until it's completely empty. I've heard of some women in my breast feeding support group that had to nurse on one side for more than one or two days. Best of luck. I know this is really frustrating!

[Nipple_nectar]

I agree for Nicole, this sounds like OAL, www.kellymom.com has alot of info on it.

For the OP, I would address teething pain first,he may be using you as a teether. I would at minimum, give him something frozen to gnaw on for a minimum of twenty minutes prior to nursing. Like a frozen bagel, frozen fruit in a mesh feeder. Also, giving something like Hylands teething tabs will help.

Keep in mind for appropriate weight gain, ounce for ounce, breast milk is more calorie dense THAN ANY form of solids you offer, so make sure that nursing sessions are always first and foremost before solids. You may have to back off solids to regain interest in nursing. I would cut out the juice completely as it offers only empty calories and no nutrition.

You might do well with a nursing necklace as well, something to help keep his focus as I am sure that distractibility plays a key role in getting him to nurse long enough! My LO loves to finger the different shapes while she is nursing, studying the brilliant colors, it really helps us:)

[hilmom]

nbuttery: my four month old just went through three weeks of doing the "pulling off and on" and screaming at the breast - it was not fun - come to find out he has reflux and we started meds on Monday and life is getting much better.