Fussy Baby

Half Pint · **Fussy Baby**

My 3 1/2 month old son has been extremely fussy during feedings the last week. We are finally able to nurse without a nipple shield (they were flat and needed some assistance.) He is now able to empty each breast in 5-10 minutes rather than the 15 plus it used to take.

He latches on great, but after a few minutes he will fuss and cry. Then, he will latch back on and fuss and cry. I continue to massage the breast for a few minutes and then burp him and put him on the other breast. Then we start the whole fussy process over again!

Do you think this is a growth spurt and not getting enough milk? Or that he's used to sucking longer and is upset that no more milk is coming out?

My diet hasn't changed and he still takes pumped milk and formula great from the bottle whenever necessary. It's so frustrating because it used to be such a bonding moment and now it is like torture! Tonight I finally had my husband give me a 2 oz. bottle of formula to supplement him after I had him on both breasts.

Any thoughts?

desertmom · 12-16-2007, 09:46 PM

I wonder if he's teething. That would definitely make him fussy, and the gums start hurting after a few minutes of nursing. Maybe try just a little Orajel or even Tylenol (I don't remember if Tylenol is ok at that age) and see if it helps. See if the gums are red and swollen.

faerieflr · 12-16-2007, 11:38 PM

As I recall Tylenol is okay at this age. While I agree it could be teething, it may just be fussiness. My little one was very distractable around that age. No new diet, no actual distractions just pulled off to look around at the world. She's still really distractable at 6+ months.

My advise would be to keep going. It took me three plus months to get into the groove of things. Now I never want to stop nursing!!! Except that it would be nice to drink freely.

Hang in there. It gets better. If it comes to it, just pump. The most important thing is for the baby to get the breast milk for a s long as it' s good for the both of you. I liked pumping a lot, I just got mastitis twice and had to stop. Good luck and keep going! You'll get into the groove at some point.

momma2boys · 12-17-2007, 01:52 AM

My midwife told me to pump for a few minutes after feedings, and that will help to increase your milk. I had this problem with my middle son, and it was quite frustrating. There is also an herbal pill yo can take to increase your milk, if the pumping doesn't work. But I can't remember the name of it at them moment. I'll call my sister and ask her what the name is tomorrow. She had to use it with he first child.

I say hang in there, and keep going. It will get better

faerieflr · 12-17-2007, 05:06 AM

fenugreek

AyeOhKay · 12-17-2007, 07:22 AM

If it is a growth spurt, you should see noticable improvement in just a few days. However, your supply will only catch up to his needs if you are BF exclusively (suppply meets demand).

It could be teething. You could try to massage his gums with a frozen washcloth prior to nursings. (Just put a clean, damp washcloth in the freezer.) That may numb his gums long enough for him to nurse without having to give him any medication.

Boys are also notorious for going through lazy spells. He may just be trying to hold out for the bottle. It easier to eat from it because it is free-flowing whereas he has to work to get the breastmilk out.

He may also be coming down with something (ear infection, cold, flu). So, just keep a close eye on him for signs of illness.

Good luck and hang in there! Nearly every baby (breast or bottlefed) goes through fussy eating periods.