baby distressed at breast - help!

[ChocolateHobnob]

Hi all

I posted about this a few days ago, anyway it isn't improving. The situation is this: exclusively BF DD, aged 18 weeks, is now getting distressed as she feeds in the afternoon and evening (not the morning). It's very wearying - it isnt wind, but I dont know what it is. I've had a v bad bout of vomiting and diarrhoea and my stomach still isn't back to normal - she has also now had diarrhoea. She eats a bit, pulls away, cries, comes back, nibbles, cries. Any thoughts? I did think it was because after the initial fast flow she was irritated by the milk coming slower (I have a powerful letdown) but now am worried it's something to do with the bug. My HV is hopeless and last time I asked her something she suggested FF. So... any thoughts as to what it could be? could my supply have diminished due to the bug? Thanks for your help - we're very tired and a bit worried here!

Thanks smallwhitecat. I forgot to say also that she seems to be teething - would this affect it?

Oh gosh yes - teething can cause all sorts of feeding irregularities. It might be that she's hungry, but the sucking makes her gums hurt. Some people find this, and others find that the sucking helps the pain!

Is it easier for her on one breast than the other, or could you change the position you feed in at all to see if that helps?

I presume she had no apparent discomfort when feeding until very recently?

Thanks, Cantsleep, exactly - she was fine in feeding until this weekend. Which coincided with the bug, but also with the teething signs getting stronger.

The only time she's had trouble before was early on when my initial flow could be very strong, but that hasn't been the case for months now.

She doesnt seem better on one side than another, but I could try changing position. I guess I should also just let her eat when she wants and as little as she wants if she isnt managing to eat for as long as usual!

HobNob,

I think you've answered your own question! Follow your instincts - let her feed little and often, maybe feed lying down quietly in bed etc. Have you tried anything for her teething...rubbing something on her gums/cold chewy toys/calpol? BTW teething also makes them get squits and sometimes their bums get really sore so slap some cream on her bum too and maybe give her some nappy off time to cool it down.

Your supply should be fine but the feeding little and often will also give you a boost.

Good luck, you'll be fine.