Breast aversion. Is there any hope?

[FuchsiaG]

Hello, my baby is almost 8 weeks old and has been diagnosed with, and is being treated for, silent reflux. He's slowly improving but now seems to have developed an aversion to the breast :( he will latch on but very poorly now (doesn't open his mouth wide, I have to shove my nipple in when he opens it slightly) and therefore only stays on a few seconds before coming off in frustatuon. It's very upsetting for both of us and I've had to start giving him bottles. I'm trying to express but finding it hard as he's so clingy that I barely have any time when he isn't on me.

I'm so upset that I may have to stop breastfeeding. I felt like we'd just got to grips with it.

Had anybody else had a similar experience and come through it still breastfeeding? Is there any hope?
Thank you

Have you tried speaking to a breastfeeding counselor?

Has he ever been checked for tongue tie? Have a read and see what you think

Is there a BFing Support Group near to you today?

@snuggybuggy no but I've had a loypf support from the health visitor breast feeding support worker but that was before he suddenly stopped taking my breast. I've left a message with her but she hasn't been in touch. There's a breastfeeding support group on Tuesdays so I will try and get to that. Where would I access a breastfeeding counsellor?

@jilterjohnsjulie yes, he had slight tongue tie and that was cut at 5 weeks. It's been the past week that he's become very difficult to feed.

Xx

You can call a Breastfeeding Counsellor (BFC) on one of the Bfing Helplines, the number are here. They’re open now, please don’t wait you need RL support now

Forgot to say the BFCs have all BF for at least 6 months and are fully trained and up to date with their information

Could they have thrush? This can cause aversion and is easily treated. Hope you can get it sorted!

@jiltedjohnsjulie thanks for the information. I’ve tried calling but am constantly getting a message to say call back later

Suddenly this afternoon he latched a bit better so I’m hoping he may be improving (maybe his medication is kicking in).
@squeakyheart he was examined by a doctor last Wednesday and nothing was picked up on. The health visitor has been in touch to say she’ll come in the morning so I will ask her then.

Thanks for the replies. I am supplementing with formula atm and am hoping things improve. I’d be really sad to stop breastfeeding.

I hope you get better luck if you try them again, which ones have you tried ringing so far?

If you think it may be thrush, like Squeaky suggests, there’s somecmore info here.

This video from Dr Jack Newman might help too

The breastfeeding group should be able to provide you with contact details if there isn't one there and I'd really recommend trying to get to the group. I found mine helpful. Breast compressions might help, maybe someone at the group could show you how to do them.

Is there a La Leche League near to you @FushiaG?