Fussy for Daddy

[peytiepie]

I have been breastfeeding for 3 months and have just returned to work. Unfortunately I sometimes work nights - this is my first night back. Baby takes bottles fine at daycare but at night, just wants me. My DH tried everything he could and she wouldn't take a bottle from him. Last time I talked to this evening, DD had been screaming for about 3 hours and nothing made her happy and wouldn't eat. The few times she's been with him alone in the evenings its been a similar scene.

Any suggestions? Should he be giving her her last feeding of the night via bottle instead of me feeding her? I really hate that idea - I hate giving up that time. Selfish, huh?

Please tell me if this is the only way or if you have any other suggestions....

[Nipple_nectar]

If you have the opportunity to nurse her upon your return and she is still awake, I would certainly nurse her! Not selfish at all, nursin momma:)

Now, has Daddy addressed teething pain? I would try some Hylands teething tabs and even some motrin. Teething pain does seem to be at it's worst at night somehow?

Can Daddy use a stroller in the house? Movement will usually calm a screaming baby. Perhaps he could sling her and take a brisk walk? Bathing her will also calm her, I would do that, they can actually bathe together:)

Muisc will also work, has he tried rocking? The bottle just might piss her off, if she is missing you.

[whitnessforhim]

I agree she's home and she knows you should be there to feed her so the bottle just might be whats pissing her off as NN said. Could you try a different feeding method other than a bottle? Like finger feeding? http://www.kellymom.com/newman/08finger_feeding.html

Also just try different things like the stroller or rocking. With our daughter she loved it when daddy put on the def leapord (his fav. music) and sang and danced with her. That never failed to put her to sleep and calm her...still does when she's home with him.

I know these things can be stressful. Hang in there it will get better and I also agree nurse that baby whenever you can there is nothing selfish about that!

[Nipple_nectar]

I wanted to add that your baby is 12 weeks and you could start with a trainer cup, Avent has one that can be used at that age. My babies never took a bottle, they went straight to a cup.

Also, there is a learning curve for feeding a breastfed baby a bottle: http://www.kellymom.com/bf/pumping/bottle-feeding.html

[peytiepie]

Thanks for your help! I appreciate the response.

She actually does pretty well with a bottle at day care and at other times. But at night when she is having her fussy times, she needs me. And DH even says, "I don't have what she wants - I don't have boobs!"

She got a good feeding before I left tonight - DH's comment was "fill her up!" ha ha She finally crashed out around midnight, never ate from a bottle, but was fine and ready to eat when I got home this morning.

I hope tonight goes better....

[damiand08]

Baby and daddy should have skin to skin time. have daddy sit on the couch or lay on the bed with his shirt off and baby naked, and lay baby on top of him on his chest. that will really strenghten the growing bond.
he needs to spend as much time as possible with her, and he must always seem happy and go lucky to be with baby.

[peytiepie]

I had that same idea. Thanks for the reinforcement!

I have to say, they are wonderful together. Its just that night time is her fussy time and she usually wants me. And she hadn't had many if any bottles at nighttime so its just an adjustment for everyone as I return to my weird work schedule.