3month old suddenly refusing to feed

[Littlelot]

My 3month ds has over past few days refused to bf except when very sleepy at night or a max of 3mins when just woken up from nap. I'm wondering if he is teething early - my mum said I did at 3 months - as he is also drooling and constantly sticking fingers in mouth or wanting dummy which he has only ever wanted when tired before. It gets particularly bad late afternoon and we have given him a bottle just to make sure he is getting something. Last night he needed nappy change at 5 when he normally feeds but because of that was awake and refused to feed so hasn't fed since 12. Think I will give him small bottle and will phone hv today but was just wondering if this sounds like early teething and if anyone had advice for how to get him feeding from breast as it is obviously uncomfortable for him. Thanks

[Dorisday13]

Oh you poor thing, I guess you've tried the usual teething things, gel/granules/calpol? When things aren't going well for me feeding my dd my mum insists I take her to bed for cuddles and skin to skin. Hth xx

[Littlelot]

Have tried gels, calpol, teething rings. He has taken about 80ml from the bottle which is better than nothing. Just feels very frustrating a) seeing him uncomfortable and b) it took so long for him to bf properly as he had poor latch (tongue tie cut at 7 weeks) had robe weaned off nipple shields as that was what I was advised to use to help his latch at a few days old as well as having to top up with formula for furst month. i think i am just worried if he won't bf it will be a battle to wean him off bottles. Will try taking him back to bed. Thanks

[Dorisday13]

Oh i feel for you, we had TT. Issues too, I think you can use ibuprofen from 3m too worth a check x

[Littlelot]

Thank you. Managed to get him to have a decent feed by letting him have a nap next to me in bed and catching him just as he was stirring before he knew what was going on. So great advice thank you!

[JiltedJohnsJulie]

Glad he's had a good feed. Have you spoken to a BFC?

[Littlelot]

I'm based in Switzerland and we have a child's nurse who is also bfc unfortunately when I rang this morn the usual nurse is on hols for 2 weeks but the cover nurse said she thought that maybe he was slowing down growing and didn't need as much for a couple of days and would pick up again. She said not to worry as long as he had wet nappies. I'm not entirely convinced and I think he is teething so am just going to keep trying to get little bits in and top up with bottle for a couple of days and if doesn't improve go to drs. Just when I thought we had feeding sorted!

[JiltedJohnsJulie]

Yes, this advice does seem a little odd. If you do think its teething try ibuprofen instead or as well as calpol. Ibuprofen is much better than paracetamol for dental pain, well according to the sugeons who fixed my broken jaw anyway!

I'd be tempted to take Lo to the GP anyway, throat and eat infections can cause feeding refusal. Have you read Help! My baby won't nurse! on the kellymom website?

[Dorisday13]

Glad you got a feed in, did you try the ibuprofen? Good luck xx

[Littlelot]

Today has been much better but have made effort to feed the moment he starts to rouse. He has a couple of small whiteish lumps on bottom gum which looks like teeth coming but he has seemed less bothered by them and happier today. Have got some ibruorofen in just in case though but fingers crossed he seems much better. Guess they like to keep you on your toes. Thanks for support.

[JiltedJohnsJulie]

So glad things are a little better