Brest Feeding

Updated on April 28, 2007
A.G. asks from Fort Stewart, GA
9 answers

I have a new baby and he was born premature and I was breast feeding him but now he doesn't want to take it. Am I doing something wrong? And he's getting sick from the formula that the doctor has put him on.

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So What Happened?

thanks everyone for ur great help. it was all greatly appreciated, and i learned alot more. he's not breast feeding but he's still taking my milk out of the bottle so as long as that keeps up, i think we r good to go. thanks again everyone

More Answers

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K.V.

answers from Seattle on

you need to keep trying my dear, sometimes they have periods of time when is like they don't want the breast, but don't be overwhelm, I know is easy to say than to do, but keep ofering him the breast, it's much better for him and you too!!!!!!! Maybe if he does not want the breast, maybe B/C he's a preemie, you could pump both breasts and offer him the breast milk in a bottle, always it's going to be better for him. take it easy, it's hard, I know it myself, I'm breastfeeding too, but it's worth it.
congratulations on the baby and on breastfeeding!!!!!!!!

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N.J.

answers from Atlanta on

Call the hospital where he was born - they probably have a free consultation with the lactation consultant, who can help you. Do everything you can to get him back on breast milk!! But if it absolutely won't work, get your dr. to help you choose a different formula.
Good luck!

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D.R.

answers from Atlanta on

Hi A.,
My son refused my breasts after one week of me trying to breastfeed, and i found out that it was because my nipples didnt extend far enough and it was making it difficult for him to nurse. So i switched to a breast pump (The First Years makes one that is wonderful and inexpensive) i was able to pump twice as much and it was a great way for me to relax while someone else fed him so i could shower etc. and it stores in the fridge and freezer. Needless to say he was happier and i felt more rested. The i was afraid i would lose that bonding experience, but i would cuddle him next to my skin while i fed him and hes great today!

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L.W.

answers from Atlanta on

Well, my son was born premature (at 27weeks) and he breastfed for like a week, but after that he no longer wanted to latch on. I had the proper position, even had a lactation nurse come to my home to ensure I was doing everything correctly. He just didn't want to nurse. So instead of forcing him to nurse and becoming frustrated with everything I decided to pump breastmilk out for him. He took to the bottle with NO problem and drank breastmilk like it was going out of style. There is nothing wrong with pumping breastmilk and offering your baby a bottle. At least it'll be breastmilk and not formula that you're offering him. Hope this helps!~

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M.F.

answers from Atlanta on

A.,

Call the hospital asap and talk to any nurse anyone that will talk with you about breast feeding....even try a pump you can usually rent them at the hospital, sounds like he's not going to adjust to whatever the formula is that he's on at the present time.
If you deceide to stay with formula sounds like he needs changed. Spitting up is not good and lots of gas not good I'm sure he's fussy usually when they get sick they fuss. I tried both breast milk and formula...I found less spit up and less stomach problems with breast milk even if I had to pump. Sometimes they don't want to work for their dinner I had 2 that didn't. My third child loved breast feeding. I didn't have a premature baby so I'm sure the doctor is concerned about him getting his intake of milk/formula.
Most hospitals have nurse's that work only with breast feeding some of them will even say come in I'll meet with you and help you all hours...just call.
By the way even if you haven't breast feed in a few days they can get you going again, I had a nurse that helped me I gave up she got milk flowing again only after a few days you won't be dry as fast as you think either.
Good luck I wish you the best.

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M.B.

answers from Savannah on

Many things may be going on- one is a bad set up meaning latch- two your milk may be comming in really fast for his little body, three babies on bottles do not have to work for their food as it is so easy to get milk out of a bottle vs breastfeedingthey have to really suck (which is good for them). It may be a combination- either way as long as your breast are not seriously hurting- cracked nipples etc- breastfeed breastfeed breastfeed! Keep giving the breast vs the bottle and try to nic that! As long as he is having the right about of wet/poo diapers a day you are good!
If your breast are having major issues then you may be dealing with latch problems as well- in which case you need some help to correct- still breastfeed but do get some help!
Breastfeeding is a joy but can also be a real pain- especially with first time babies/mamas.
I would love to have a nursing meet up with you! I am currently nursing my one month old as well and he is number 5 for me! I have taken many lactation courses on top of being a doula and a general birth/baby guru.
I hope ends up okay with you and your little and please do not be afraid to contact me. I will be leaving to go out of town at the begining of next week- but could talk on the phone- or you could come over for tea anytime before then.
Don't give up! It does get better!!!...M. ____@____.com

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M.M.

answers from Atlanta on

I don't mean to scare you, but you do need to get some help pretty quickly--just so your milk doesn't dry up and the production slacks off. But with my daughter when she was first born I would try to nurse her every two hours like they say, well she wasn't hungry which is why she wasn't interested. So I had to figure out what she wanted and only feed her then. But switching between a bottle and the breast can confuse them, so if he won't take your breast anymore you might just have to pump it and put it in a bottle, especially if the formula makes him sick. I hope this helps!!

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L.K.

answers from Atlanta on

Have you contacted the breastfeeding center at the hospital where you gace birth? You could also look up the LLL leader in your area, they can help by phone... I tried both several times with several different problems when mine were little like that. Also look at your diet, any sausage or spicy foods? Your diet can affect how your milk tastes to the littly guy. Send me a note if I can help in any way, I nursed my first for 14 months and the second for almost 12. Keep up the good work, it is the best for your little man.

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J.G.

answers from Savannah on

A.

well i know u r a good mamma cuz thats my man cub ur lookin after. and doin a dam good job to. i know what the problem is, he hasnt seen his daddy yet. i know im anxious to hold him n be there for him like a good daddy suppose to. so when u get here, since u been spendin lots of time with him is just gonna be the guys for a lil while. im gonna take over so u can rest have some time to ur self. hows that sound?

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