Refusing to Nurse

The most important thing: RELAX. Assuming that he's a normal 6 months old, he probably won't starve...
It pretty normal for babies to have a variable appetite at that age, he might be teething, or coming down with a virus, that will affect his appetite.
If it's hot where you are, he may go for short nursing sessions, to get more watery foremilk because he's more thirsty than hungry.
If you have started to introduce solids, that may also play a role.

Just try to relax and keep on offering...some extra cuddle and skin to skin time will also help, especially if he's cranky.
Last but not least, you mention he's only had 2 "decent" feedings... if he feeds even for just a very short time, he might be getting more than you think. Babies can be very efficient nursers at this age!
I bet in a day or two he will make up for what he's missed.

Good luck.

1 mom found this helpful

Hi B.,
I agree with Ina! Nursing strikes can be common due to teething at this point, I have experienced that with both my kids! Also, Ina mentioned he maybe getting more than you think in his feedings-I can say that my 11 month old nurses in record timing (sometimes max 2 mins) now and his diapers are still soaked and very heavy. How are his diapers? How many has he had today? That is the tell all sign in regards to his hydration! At least 3 a day is the rule of thumb according to our Dr. He very well could go back to his normal tomorrow, don't panic yet!!
Best of luck...

1 mom found this helpful

My daughter did the same thing right around 6 months because she was teething...and not any "one tooth at a time" stuff. She popped through two teeth (that was a miserable week) and within 2 weeks there were 2 more. By the time 8 weeks had passed, she had 8 teeth! She was night waking, fussy, would barely eat (popping off after only a couple minutes), the whole nine yards.

Like other posters said, though, as long as your baby is still having 3 or 4 wet diapers during the day, he's getting enough fluids. If you're still concerned, you can call your Dr office and talk to one of the helpful nurses. They may tell you the same things (wet diapers and teething), but coming from a medical professional, it may help put your mind more at ease.

sounds like teething, possible ear infection, either way both should get better in the next couple of days. good luck and stay strong! he isnt going to starve himself!

B.,
I agree with the others on not worrying, as long as he has wet diapers, and call you doctor tomorrow. I remember when my first son turned 6 months, he was very prone to getting distracted. I'm not sure if that is what is going on, but just in case- try nursing in a dark, quiet place so he can concentrate on nursing. Hang in there, I'm sure he will get back on track.

T.
Barefoot Books Ambassador
www.ReadandGrow.com

teething? thrush? Most likely teething! Most babies start teething anywhere between 4 and 12 months with the majority starting at 6 months. His gums may be sore. Try oraljel or Hyland teething tablets (my favorite) and wait about 15 minutes and then try to nurse. If it helps, it is probably teething.

check his mouth for thrush or soars, then see if he gobbles up an ounce or water. if he does then I htink the breat milk could be hurting him. If he is not sick and your ruled out everthing else virus. ear infection, etc then I suggest taking milk, soy and wheat out of your diet. until his digestive system can mature a bit more to tolerate digesting those proteins. Take care and congrats on your sweet blessing!

This is how my cousin found out she was pregnant, her baby just didn't "want" to and quite nursing.