Not feeding.

[Chica31]

DD2 is 7 weeks and this afternoon has stopped feeding.

She just wont latch on, I have no idea why. My breasts have milk, but she just plays with my nipple with her tounge or bounces up and down like a woodpeker.

What do I do?

She hasn't had a feed for nearly 6 hours now and the last feed she had was very small.

Does she seem ill in any way, or distressed?

no, not at all.

Her cheeks are very red and she wont sleep, but apart from that she is fine.

Though she is not crying at all, which is worrying me, as she hasn't slept or eaten in 6 hours

Mmm, that's quite odd isn't it.

I'd be inclined to ring a bf helpline or NHS direct for advice - just to put your mind at rest.

Might be nothing, but I'd err on the side of caution.

Will she take anything from a egg cup/cup?

I tried a spoon, took a little.

She has just had a couple of stucks then smiled and played with my nipple again.

I will phone.

Just looked up the number and La Leche is an 0845 number which I can't phone as I am in Spain.

She is now screaming if I put her down, but happy with a cuddle.

Does lll not have a group in Spain you can call?

Or maybe try the NCT, I'm pretty sure that people have got through to them from abroad before.

Red cheeks maybe sounds like teething? Although she'd be young at 7 weeks, but not unheard of...

I thought it looked like teething red cheeks, but dismissed it. She is only 7 weeks. Her sister is getting her teeth really late.

She has just eaten a bit more, not what I would have called a "feed" though.

She then did a big burp and brought loads back.

Am very confussed

This is unusual behaviour, and not a breastfeeding issue, especially.

She may be fighting off an infection, and needing comfort and cuddles but not wanting to actually eat or drink.

But a 7 week old baby is too young to have nothing - it's good she has fed for a little just now, and maybe this will continue.

Can you express some more milk and let her have it again on a little spoon, or an egg cup, or even a few drops from your finger?

The fact she is smiling and calm is reassuring though. Do you have a doctor you can call?

How is DD today Chica?

Sorry I didn't reply, I have had a busy day.

DD2 really calmed down later in the evening and fed and fed all the time.

Her cheeks are not red today and we have had a fantastic day of loads of feeding and lots of sleeping.

We have a doctors appointment for a check up on Tuesday so I will mention what happened.

Thank you for all your support and so sorry I didnt reply

She could be fighting a cold, DH DD1 and I are all streaming.

DH is a teacher and bringing home the bugs!!

Ah, glad she's feeding again.

Hope you all feel better soon!