Suddenly dropping feeds at 13 months

[AngelDog]

13 m.o. DS seems to have dropped several feeds rather suddenly and I'm starting to wonder whether it's actually a nursing strike rather than him cutting down.

He usually feeds:

Waking up
Mid morning
Middle of lunchtime nap (to resettle him)
Mid afternoon
Bedtime (he feeds to sleep)

For the last few days, he's refused the feeds on waking and in the morning/afternoon. He'll have about 3 sucks but stop before he can stimulate a letdown.

He usually feeds once or twice in the night, and that's continued as usual, even when he's been wide, wide awake at 1am .

He's also had a few meals recently where he's asked for water at the start so he seems to have been thirsty. Normally I only offer water half way through meals so he doesn't fill up on it.

Does that sound like a strike, or him just reducing his feeds normally?

If he's not having a mid-morning / mid-afternoon bf, should I be giving him water?

Angel - Personally I'd offer feeds as and when required with no restrictions as even if he gorges himself and is sick he will still have absorbed something from the milk. Plus he might keep the milk down even if he is still feeling sick.

I'm glad he is doing better though and that the Dr's seen him and given him meds. It must be a huge relief for you.

Well, I'll perhaps offer both sides tonight then if there's a chance he'll benefit even if he throws it back up again.

I feel much happier now we have treatment for all the different problems. I'd just like to be able to stop DS crying when he sees me with a syringe in hand.

I think DS agrees with you, Truth - he woke just now and is nicely fed again. :)

It occurred to me that a return to normal naps & bedtimes may help with the feeding too. Usually he wakes 2 or 3 times in the evening, then only once after I've gone to bed. Recently he's been shattered, so sleeping right through from bedtime till the early hours. But if he goes back to his usual pattern, it gives me more feeding opportunities. :)

Day 8: a better day today - only a small vomit a few hours after feeding, and no diarrhoea.

Still striking, but when I offered this afternoon he gave a big grin and cruised his way straight over to me to try to feed. :)

Sounds like things are really on their way up then! Really pleased for you.

Excellent news Angel. Glad to hear DS is getting better!

Day 10: still striking.

I thought the vomiting was over but he threw up a feed all over me at 3am today. Nappies have improved a bit though, and his eyes are getting better although his cough is still bad.

He's not eating much, and had literally one small bite of sandwich between breakfast and (late) dinner.

He's still managing at least 3 sleepy milk feeds a day, sometimes more though, so that's not too bad.

How's it going today? Is DS still being sick?

A little boost for you:-

In the second year (12-23 months), 448 mL of breastmilk provides:
29% of energy requirements
43% of protein requirements
36% of calcium requirements
75% of vitamin A requirements
76% of folate requirements
94% of vitamin B12 requirements
60% of vitamin C requirements
-- Dewey 2001

448mls is approx 15oz (so perhaps 2/3 feeds).

So even if DS is just having a little bit of milk he is still getting quite a bit of his nutrition from your milk.

Thanks, Truth. DS had a bf while awake this morning, as well as several in the night.

I keep thinking the vomiting is over, then it happens again - but I think it might now be to do with the force of his cough, rather than the bug.

The cough sounds worse & worse. We've another GP appointment on Tuesday.

He's only been eating about 1 meal a day for the last few days, although he's been more keen today. I'm trying to give ebm rather than water as much as I can as he's keen to drink still.

2 out of his 4 molars are now through properly which should help, I hope. His sticky eyes have really improved with bm in them. :)

I think the picket line has broken - DS was stroppy when we were out shopping, so I took him out of the pushchair and he had a good bf, not batting an eyelid even when some friends stopped for a conversation.

Assuming he doesn't stop again tomorrow, that was 12 days. Phew. :) Thanks for your support, everyone.

That's great news Angel - long way it last

may

Yes, it's definitely over. :)

On a couple of occasions I've offered bf, he's given a huge grin and flapped his arms with excitement before launching himself at my chest.

So pleased for you - strikes are horrendous and you must be so relieved it's over. I'm all for you

Thank you! :)

Great news Angel really glad to hear it's ok!