Baby screaming when feeding

[Dandelion89]

Hiya, I'm after some advice as I'm at my whits end! I have an 11 week old baby who is ebf and for the last 4 weeks she has been off her feeds, most of the time she's screaming when I try to latch her on and will only feed for 5-10 minutes at a time. I've sought advice from the health visitors and nursery nurses and have attended the local breastfeeding support group but haven't really got anywhere. She's gaining weight well so they aren't really concerned.
Had anyone had any experience with this?
Thanks in advance

Watching with interest as I have a similar situation with my little one. She’s 15 weeks and it’s slowly developed from lots of popping off and on to full-blown screaming at the boobs.

Similar to you I’ve spoken to HV and breastfeeding councillors and they’re all a bit baffled but as she’s gaining weight also not too worried.

Mine tends to get worse as the day goes on and really let’s rip at bedtime. My local la Leche league leader suggested feeding her when she’s just waking up and still a bit drowsy which has helped a bit but not solved the issue.

Sorry I’m not much help, but at least know that you are not alone!

I had this.

Do you bottle feed at all? In hindsight I think that was definitely part of the issue for us as the bottle was so easy and so he got fussy on the breast..

How is your supply?

I would try and feed before hungry and if possible sleepy. You need to relax yourself, top off and deep breath, I definitely got a bit tense.

If none of this rings true, definitely contact la leche sooner rather than later or maybe you have a lactation consultant covered on your health insurance, I did. Hang on in there, and best of luck.

Have you checked the obvious things, like are you using any products that might taste unpleasant, for example deodorant?

Has anyone checked in her mouth to see if she has thrush?

Latching on and off and crying can also be signs of the let down being too fast or too slow.

It could also be due to the baby being in pain, for example with colic or reflux.

Some babies with cow's milk protein intolerance fuss at the breast unless the mum eliminates it from her diet.

Thanks for the replies ladies, I really appreciate it. She's my first baby and I've no clue what's normal.

@Bethacus I'm sorry to hear that you're having the same issue, although it's reassuring it's not just me. It's awful isn't it? We have good days and bad days. She's been latching on and off while feeding today but no screaming which is a plus.
I've asked the nursery nurses to come and watch look at her latch but they said they were busy. I don't think I will get anywhere unless her weight gain slows. I will let you know if I make any progress.

@mikado1 no she stopped taking the bottle weeks ago and doesn't have a dummy either.
I don't think my supply is as good as it was to be honest. I've started expressing more to try and maintain my supply.
You're totally right about being tense. Its horrible seeing her so distressed.
Are la leche good? I've heard good things about them but haven't contacted or looked into them to be honest.

@BrokenLink I've had her checked for thrush and they think her mouth is clear. I'm completely on the fence about colic and reflux. She isn't a sickly baby but that obviously doesn't rule out silent reflux. She sometimes screams when I lie her down to feed so maybe reflux.
Cows milk protein intolerance had crossed my mind. She has a stubborn patch of dry skin on her cheek and I'm wondering if it's to do with an intolerance as recommended products seem to be having no effect on it. I've started keeping a food diary but have seen no pattern as of yet.

I think it's very common. Id get myself in touch with la leche pronto, someone will help you. You might just need to find a new way. Try the sleepy relaxed feeds, try the relaxing and very deliberate deep breathing and make sure you're drinking olebty of water and eating plenty of calories! My ds did have a bit of silent reflux and colic - is the stomach hard? I did go to a craniosacral who was quite amazing but I do put a lot of it down to me freaking a little, if I'm honest and the bottle flow. I got it back tho. Definitely get some support, not an easy time but you'll come through.

Also keep her close and pop her on at any chance you get, definitely don't be trying to schedule feeds etc.

My 10 week old is bottle fed but started this at around 4 weeks.. turned out to be reflux. We got the sickness under control but still have 1 or 2 very difficult feeds in th e evenings where he will scream clearly uncomfortable/in pain but also wanting to eat so latching on and off the bottle. We have just started him on ranitidine yesterday to hopefully help with this.

Hi @Dandelion89, thought I’d just update with what we’re up to.

Between my local breastfeeding group and threads on here I think there’s a possibility she has a cow’s milk protein intolerance so am giving up dairy for a few weeks to see if that has an impact. Which means no cheese over Christmas because apparently the universe hates me and wants me to suffer!

We were giving a supplementary bottle of formula in the evening which we’ve stopped and even if we reintroduce the formula I might try and avoid reintroducing the bottle as I think that may have contributed to the issue.

If there’s no improvement in the next couple of weeks then I think I’ll talk to the doctor about silent reflux as that seems to come up on threads like these a lot. My original HV didn’t think it was reflux as my LO was ‘too happy’ but we shall see.

It’s so frustrating when you feel like there’s something wrong and if you could just figure out what then both yours and little one’s life would be much easier!

Apologies for the delay in responding, it's been a busy few days.

@mikado1 her stomach feels hard at times. I thought it might have been reflux initially but she doesn't have any problems lying down in her crib after a feed etc. But could be reflux or colic! I just keep trying her in the breast every couple hours. She always seems hungy but often only feeds for a couple of minutes and then screams and that's if I can get her on at all.

@Scottishmummy89 that sounds very familiar. I hope your little one is feeling better.

I've been speaking to the gp about possible cmpa. My little girl has stubborn eczema and its spread to her arms and legs too. So I'm with you with the cheeseless Christmas @Bethacus!. It's awful, I feel paranoid at times but I know something isn't right. She's had these symptoms for a while but they have ramped up over the past couple of weeks. She had a green mucus dirty nappy with blood last night. Keep me updated with how you and your little one get on 😊.

Have a lovely Christmas everyone!