Baby screaming inconsolabley and rejecting mum

[Bunny44]

Please help! My EBF baby is just 8 months and until now we've co-slept and he's breastfed to sleep.

Today was a normal day routine wise during the day and I fed him to sleep. I just got into bed 3 hours ago to sleep myself and he opened his eyes, looked at me and just started screaming hysterically and has been inconsolable, until my partner took him and then every time he's tried to hand him back he cries again. He won't breastfeed suddenly either. This is totally out of the blue and it's like he suddenly doesn't want to be near me. Will only go with my partner carrying him around.

The only thing that I can think is my period started today for the first time since I had him.

What could be causing this? He's not a baby who cries much at all so it's highly unusual. Really not sure what to do.

Teething or a wee cold coming on that's blocking his nose and making feeding uncomfy would be my first two guesses.

He didn't even try feeding though which is really unlike him. Usually he screams briefly until I feed him. This time he was totally uninterested in breastfeeding and screamed until my partner took him. He was looking at me really strangely like he's suddenly scared of me. He was touching my face but if I took him he screamed inconsolably. Is fine with my partner. My baby's behaviour towards me just suddenly switched. Usually he wants to be with me all the time and likes feeding.

Maybe teething but why does he stop crying with my partner?

I think you already figured it out. Babies can sense when you have your period. He will get used to it.
Some babies are more sensitive than others.
If you keep talking to him and he can see you he will be reassured.

I was wondering if I smell different or something like that? Apparently your hormones can change your smell. Honestly he was looking terrified of me. He's never been like this ever.

Yes that is exactly it. Back in the day we used to include this information in antenatal classes. I suppose there aren't any classes these days with the way the NHS is going. Babies generally seem to get over it though.

i think its due to hormones you had a dip in your milk supply. It should last only a few days max, offer him more usual food for the time being and keep trying