Help! 3 month old suddenly refusing to feed

[bells2]

Am at my wit's end as DS, who is normally very placid and a good feeder has, since 5am, reacted like a vampire to garlic when I offer him the breast. The only thing I ate yesterday which is unusual for me was 4 fresh apricots but I don't think it's that as he won't even take the nipple in his mouth. I haven't used any unusual toiletries or anything else. He is quite rigid and now screaming which I presume is hunger although I can still coax a smile out of him if I jiggle him up and down. I don't have any formula here but am wondering whether I should go and get some or wait it out. Any suggestions or advice would be much appreciated.

Oh how horrible. If he hasn't had formula before, would that upset him more? sounds like something else is going on...will he take milk off your finger or anything?

Hugs to both of you.

Have you looked in his mouth? Maybe he has something hurting him? My friend's child got mouth ulcers, and wouldn't feed for a few days until they healed over. You could also see if he will suck from a bottle first eg with herbal tea or water in it, before you try formula.

Coudl you try some ebm in a cup, like one of those medicine measures. Might help you tell if it the flavour or something else. is he otherwise well (constipated, wind, cold, ears etc) If he hasn't fed yet I think I'd try to see dr asap.

Agree it might be teething, Florenceuk - Bells, how upsetting for you both. Fennel tea is apparently quite palatable to babies if you decide to have a go with a bottle. If its teeth, you could try some chamomile powder, or cup-feeding the poor little guy.
I am guessing he is otherwise well. Dd went a whole full day at nursery without taking a drop on her second day and I was terrified about dehydration. It is obviously of great concern that he hasn't drunk for ages, but provided he is otherwise well going without milk for a few hours is not going to cause him serious damage.
One other tip - if you can, try feeding him with you both sitting in a warm bath. That is supposedly a sovereign remedy for distressed babies - and mothers too.
Can you let us know how he is doing when you have a chance?

Thanks soooo much everyone and especially Marina. I just tried the warm bath and miracle of miracles, it worked. He has had a good long feed and has calmed down. I think that he may actually be teething as now that I think of it, he does have a few of the signs and my other 2 were early teethers.

Anyway, once again many thanks.

Just realised it could - COULD - also be thrush. Dd1 did this, I remember. If your nipples itch you could check those white curdy bits in his mouth, although personally I always found it impossible to do this.

Glad he's tucked in, Bells. Let's hope this was a one-off.