Baby refusing breast but won't take a bottle!

[Freddiecat]

DD is now 7.5 months and has been a really good breast feeder. I've been trying very unsuccessfully to get her to take a cup of milk but she is not keen. Normally she has 3 feeds a day (both sides) plus solids.

Yesterday it took ages to get her to take one side in the morning and she then refused her afternoon and evening feeds. Ate solids well (a good portion but no more than she's had before) and slept through. She has not had a feed at all today. Got her to drink about an ounce of formula from her Doidy cup at breakfast and half an ounce with lunch (massively padded with formula too). The BF counsellor suggested lots of skin-to-skin but I think DD has realised why and got really upset the second time I tried to do this today (and I was not trying to feed her at all!). I'm going to have a bath with her tonight but beginning to run out of ideas. Really not ready to stop BF yet but my main concern is she's not getting much milk at all!

[NotQuiteCockney]

Is she getting other fluids? Strange. Anything unusual in your diet that might have made for strange-tasting milk for her?

Can you express to keep supply up in them meantime?

[HappyMumof2]

Message withdrawn

[NotQuiteCockney]

Sore throat, or maybe an ear infection? Does she seem ok generally?

[Freddiecat]

She is fine! Happy and eating loads of solids. I've racked my brains but don't think I've eaten anything different. Have not changed body lotion etc either.

The only difference is that in the last couple of days she's been trying to crawl a bit and I wondered if she's just been trying to grow up. She watches her big brother like a hawk when he drinks from a spout cup (although won't copy him).

[NotQuiteCockney]

Hmm, I'd probably pump to keep everything working ok (and to prevent mastitis/engorgement, if you're susceptible to those) and keep offering.

www.kellymom.com might have suggestions?

[Freddiecat]

Will pump but not getting at all engorged now.

Will try kellymom - thanks

[NotQuiteCockney]

Apparently you don't tend to get engorged so much after the first few months - doesn't mean there isn't lots there, of course.

(Oh, if you pump right before trying to feed, your boobs will smell strongly of milk, and it'll be easier for her to get let down.)

Also, I'd try feeding her when she's not really awake - old reflexes may well kick in?

[Freddiecat]

kelymom calls this a Nursing Strike.

bf counsellor coming over tomorrow.

[NotQuiteCockney]

Are you ever around other people who breastfeed, even small babies? That might help encourage her...

I'm glad to hear you're getting good help, and hope this is sorted out soon ...