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Weaning

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Original poster

Force feeding - discuss

21 replies

FionaSH · 26/06/2010 20:10

Ok, does "open your mouth for the aeroplane" and diversion tactics (holding a toy above babies head to looks up and opens mouth ) constitute forcefeeding? I've been going with the fact that if he doesn't want it, he'd spit it out (which he never does)...
Am I doing the wrong thing??!!

OP posts:
Seona1973 · 26/06/2010 20:24

force feeding is more forcing the spoon between clenched lips and teeth rather than what you are doing (imo anyway)

thisisyesterday · 26/06/2010 20:28

hmmm, i wouldn't call it force feeding strictly no.

but i also don't think you should need to use diversion tactics. if they're hungry they'll eat, and trying to persuade children to eat more when they don't want it can ultimately end up over-riding their natural ability to tell when they are full.
so i wouldn't do it myself

Original poster
FionaSH · 26/06/2010 20:31

Normally I don't because I've read posts about mealtimes being relaxed and enjoyable experiences etc and I agree with this. Extenuating circumstances at the moment mean I'm trying to get all his fluid into him via his food and with this heat I'm trying to get as much in as possible. I just don't want it to become habit...

OP posts:
Maisiethemorningsidecat · 26/06/2010 20:35

No, absolutely fine - and a gentle reminder to open his mouth rather than looking at the cat/ball/the spider on the ceiling will do them no harm. If he continues to look around, and shows no interest in the food when you do get his attention, then he's probably full but otherwise it sounds fine to me, and definitely NOT force feeding.

thisisyesterday · 26/06/2010 20:36

i think it's important that children learn to regulate their own appetites.

why are you trying to get more fluids into him? will he eat ice lollies?

Original poster
FionaSH · 26/06/2010 20:39

No, he's only 7 months. He won't breastfeed at the moment, and he can't take a bottle/cup yet (although I am trying all of them repeatedly throughout the day but can't get more than about 10 ml in him this way). I'm managing to syringe in about 200ml of milk in but it's slow going... adding milk to his food seems to be the best way at the mo...

OP posts:
thisisyesterday · 26/06/2010 20:45

oh no, nursing strike?

Igglybuff · 26/06/2010 20:50

Fiona will you DS BF asleep? My DS went on nursing strike for months and the only way to get him to feed was in his sleep during naps or at night. Then gradually he fed when drowsy. Now he is happy feeding awake if he;s not distracted.

Original poster
FionaSH · 26/06/2010 20:53

I don't know - he has stents up his nose so it's blocked, which I'm guessing is the reason - BUT he hasn't even had a suck on a boob for him to find out that it's tricky to do when his nose is blocked....which makes me worry its something more fundamental, like he just ain't interested anymore. OR, as a friend suggested the other day, the boob could remind him of the anaesthetic mask which he struggled against and hated (as you would!!! He had op on Monday).

OP posts:
thisisyesterday · 26/06/2010 20:54

yep sleep-feeding is a good idea

Original poster
FionaSH · 26/06/2010 20:54

Have also just been reading Kellymom and am really upset to ready that until 1yr, breastmilk should be like 75% of babies diet he's definitely not getting that much

OP posts:
thisisyesterday · 26/06/2010 20:58

have you had a look on the kellymom site at nursing strikes page?

also, might be worth seeing if you ahve a local La Leche League group where they may be able to offer some advice

Original poster
FionaSH · 26/06/2010 21:02

Yes I've been looking at the kellymom nursing strike info - looks good, but have tried it all. He looks at my boob like he's never seen it before in his life. Very upsetting. If he won't go back on, I just need to get him using a cup!!

OP posts:
thisisyesterday · 26/06/2010 21:07

whereabouts in the country are you?

Original poster
FionaSH · 26/06/2010 21:11

East Anglia

OP posts:
Igglybuff · 26/06/2010 21:14

Fiona my DS did this. Or avoided looking at it. I had many tearful chats with NCT BF counsellors. I tried everything and sleepfeeding was the only thing that worked. Apparently babies do it instinctively in their sleep so worth a try. You could also try with a bottle?

Igglybuff · 26/06/2010 21:14

sleep feeding with a bottle that is!

fizzyme · 26/06/2010 21:15

You may have already tried but have you used different types of teats on the bottles and different cup types? I breastfed my son and he refused the first few types of bottle teats I used, he will also take water from certai types of tippee cups but not from others or from a bottle. - Most mealtimes I have to use the 'dinner dinner batman' tactic - he opens his mouth everytime I say batman. - Ive also found he will clamp his mouth shut in between spoons when he wants a drink from his cup. After a few drinks he will eat again. - I hope things get easier for you both

thisisyesterday · 26/06/2010 21:18

La Leche League list of local groups, there may be one near you, or you could give one of your local leaders a call

Original poster
FionaSH · 28/06/2010 13:32

Thanks all, I'm going to look up LaLeche and see if they can help.
He did look at the boob this morning, opened his mouth and went for it....and thought better of it.
At least he hasn't forgotten the instinct though. He has his nasal stents out tomorrow, so I'm hoping for improvement. Not getting my hopes up too high though.

OP posts:
Igglybuff · 28/06/2010 14:35

Good luck. The open mouth is a good sign!

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