4 mths in and i thought i'd cracked it....but struggling and unsure of problem..help!

[lindso]

dd is almost 17 weeks and exclusively bf (well, until about 4pm today) for the last few days, at some feeds she's been making a noise which i can only describe as a long, low moan - and then chewing my nipples, pulling off, fussing etc - as if she's not that intersted. she was doing it today and then not settling, crying etc. my partner is working away, i have no family near and for the last few days both the baby and i seem to have been in tears during feeding time. i had some emergency forumula, tried her with it and she wolfed down 5 oz's. i wondered if she had thrush in her mouth - but then presumably she wouldn't want to drink from a bottle either?

she's also got a bit of a sore bum for the first time. can't see any teeth as yet.

another thing - about three weeks ago she dropped one night feed so now only feeds once between 8pm and 8am (which i'm under no illusions will last) i'm a bit concerned this will impact on my supply.

don't know if any of these things are related. i know 4 months is classic growth spurt period, but she doesn't seem to want to feed from me!!

any ideas??

[funnypeculiar]

Bumping for someone more knowledgeable than me

Could she be teething (not wanting to feed + sore bum are bnoth classic signs...)

[tisha0407]

Shouldn't worry too much my little ones appetite varies from day to day and week to week some times. Mine is 22 weeks and has 'teethed' on and off for about 6 weeks and still has no sign of any actual teeth but has all the classic signs loads of drool and lots of funny nappies and sore bottoms. This is my 2nd and i had months of this last time so have given up worrying as my last one fed when he was feeling like it and didn't when he didn't feel like it - try the usual a bit of calpol and then feeding when its kicked in 20-40 mins later when they feel a bit better if it is teething pain. If you are worried about supply express a bit and freeze it (might come in usual around Christmas when you fancy a glass or two of wine!!) If it continues and you are worried about weight gain go to you next baby clinic and get a bit of reassurance from your Health Visitor but generally as long as they are happy and thriving could be just a bit of a lul... Hope this helps!

[Sushipaws]

Poor you, I feel terrible for you, especially being on your own, have you other mummy's around to help?

My dd is 8 months now and we have never had one week where her bf patterns didn't change. I even ended up getting cracked nipples again at 4 months.

Oh and teething took months and no sign of teeth then suddenly 2 arrived. I was up to see my hv all the time and posting on here begging for advice.

All babies are different but if you get a health check and your dd is not loosing weight then it's probably just a phase. I've learned that most of my dd's worries clear up.

Have you tried calling any bf help lines, they are the bee's knees?

[morocco]

sounds a bit like teething - does it help if you put some teething gel on her teeth just before a feed?
sore bum - is it like a thrush rash or just nappy rash? mine always have vile poo when teething
otherwise, my dd just got some kind of weird spotty rash that started on her bum but she also turned out to have mouth ulcers
you could get the gp to check she doesn't have ear infection/sore throat/other reason for not feeding if you're worried - not that my gp spotted the ulcers mind you
don't worry, bet it's just #a phase#