5 month old

[jtothez17]

I have a 5month old dtr. she has GERD. they told me to give her cereal in the bottle at 4months so I quit nursing her for awhile and just giving bottles. well now she will not latch on at all. any suggestions what to do. I would like to nurse her also to help my supply, I am currently on Reglan.

[KerrySmithIBCLC]

Here is a link to dealing with GERD in a breastfed baby:

http://www.kellymom.com/babyconcerns/reflux.html#refluxsymptoms

GERD can be managed while breastfeeding - shorter, more frequent feedings, and eliminating allergenic foods from your diet is often helpful (such as dairy, citrus, caffeine).

As far as getting her back to the breast - offer regularly, with each feeding. Offer between feedings, when she may not be really hungry. Offer when she's sleepy, or in a light sleep. Watch for early hunger cues - don't wait until she's ravenous and crying. If you absolutely cannot get her back to the breast, trying a nipple shield might be appropriate, but you should do so only under the direct care of a lactation consultant in person.

How often are you pumping, and for how long each time? What kind of pump are you using? How much milk are you able to get, and how long has it been since she nursed?

[jtothez17]

SHe has not nursed since her doctor appt at 4 months and she is now 5 months so over a month. I have been trying to breastfeed her before she takes a bottle.. then when she is more than half way through I burp her and try to put her to the breast. she screams and pushes it away. It is sad, I did not think it would bother me, but it does, i would like to nurse her again. My pump schedule is both breasts until I can't pump anymore milk--I pump before work and get about 8 oz, at 12.00 about 4oz..5pm 4oz and 1-2 more times before bed for another 4-5oz. I have to supplement with formula. she gets 4oz breastmilk and 1 1/2oz formula for 5 bottles total and 1 tablespoon of cereal.

[KerrySmithIBCLC]

I'm thinking that adding another pumping session or two into the day will be a LOT more effective at increasing milk production than Reglan could ever be. From what I see, you're only pumping 4-5 times per day, and going up to five hours or longer between some of the sessions. I would try to increase that to 6-7 times, more evenly spaced throughout the day, with maybe one pumping session at night.

Here is a link to ways to try to coax the baby back to the breast:

http://www.kellymom.com/bf/concerns/baby/back-to-breast.html

Don't give up - it can be done but it requires time and a lot of patience.

[jtothez17]

I have tired pumping all day, not going more than 2hrs each session even waking up throughout the night to pump and it did not seem to work. It has been a struggle since day one with breastfeeding, but I keep trying I want to make it work as long as possible.

[KerrySmithIBCLC]

What do you mean, it does not seem to work? It takes time to build up milk production, but the best, most effective way of increasing production is by increasing demand (i.e. pumping more frequently). It may not be apparent at first, but over time it will increase. At the very least, by pumping LESS frequently, your body is going to DECREASE production over time, which will result in needing to supplement with more formula (which often makes GERD worse).

I'm so sorry that this has been so hard for you. Have you seen a lactation consultant in person to help you? I would really recommend that.

[jtothez17]

The GERD, seems a lot better now since she is getting the cereal in the bottle(with it being thinker). Do you think she will nurse again since it has been so long? Thank you for all of the info.

[jtothez17]

i used to go to a lactation consultant but not since the Doctor said to give her the cereal in the bottles

[KerrySmithIBCLC]

I think it's definitely possible to bring her back to the breast, but it will take time, dedication and patience. I really recommend seeing a lactation consultant again.