2 month old refusing to breastfeed?

Question

I have been exclusively breastfeeding my 2 month old with really no problems at all. She has always latched well and has been gaining weight well. However today she is all of a sudden refusing to nurse. She had woken up from a nap and I gave her a bath and then tried to nurse and she just cried and cried. She would initially latch on but then would just cry. I'm thinking this may have something to do with the fact that I recently went back to work( only 24 hrs a week) and she has been eating expressed breast milk from the bottle and maybe she knows now that she can get it easier from the bottle and dosent want to nurse. Im not sure, but its incredibly discouraging. I really want to keep breastfeeding but with out her nursing Im affraid that my supply will dwindle any suggestions? ( Also I have a avent isis manual pump and it is effective but no as effective as her nursing)

Answer 1

I suppose this could be nipple confusion/preference, but to me it sounds like a textbook nursing strike.  

"Nursing strikes happen for many reasons. They are almost always a temporary reaction to an external factor, although sometimes their cause is never determined. Here are some of the most common triggers of nursing strikes:

You've changed your deodorant, soap, perfume, lotion, etc. and you smell "different" to your baby.

You've been under stress (such as having extra company, traveling, moving, dealing with a family crisis).

Your baby or toddler has an illness or injury that makes nursing uncomfortable (an ear infection, a stuffy nose, thrush, a cut in the mouth).

Your baby has sore gums from teething.

You've recently changed your nursing patterns (started a new job, left the baby with a sitter more than usual, put off nursing because of being busy, etc.).

You reacted strongly when your baby bit you, and the baby was frightened. "

Answer 2

it probably is because its easier to get milk out of a bottle. I agree with mystic, try an alternate way of feeding besides bottles.

I never have this problem. my daughter gets EBM from bottles but it didnt start until she was 7 months. and when I get home from work, she latches on to me like i was gone for a month!!

Answer 3

I would look into seeing a lactation consultant. you can also find a meeting in your area for the http://llli.org/ and get help from other mama's. I wish you a lot of luck. Stay strong, and don't get discouraged, you and your daughter will get thru this. One thing I have heard is to lock yourself and the baby in a quiet room, skin to skin contact and relax and be patient, just give her the time... =) Also, even if it doesn't seem like it is working, keep pumping, it will still help with your supply, once she gets back to nursing again, your supply should get back up there for her.

http://www.drjaygordon.com/development/b...

Answer 4

It does sound like she prefers the bottle... but don't give up!

Depending on your work schedule now and in the future, you'll have to decide which road you'd rather travel.  Some babies will do fine learning to nurse and take a bottle... while others will definitely prefer one or the other.

I worked full time and my son learned to prefer the bottle very quickly, but because of my schedule it was useless to try and promote the breast.  It was easier to pump and give him a bottle, rather than fight with him all the time.  This might not be best for you, but it was for me.

I would absolutely suggest that you buy an automatic pump... electronic... one that can do both b*****s at one time, even if you only pump one at a time.  The pump will never be quite as good as your little one... but while I was pumping I had more than enough milk for him.  I even stored milk in the freezer some days.

So don't give up, and just make sure you understand that pumping is not a 100% road to ending breastfeeding.  Its a different road, and there are good and bad aspects of it, but don't think its the end of the road.  Learn more about it, and that might help you feel more comfortable with it.

Good luck!

Answer 5

Check with a lactation consultant. They will probably be able to detect what the problem is.

Check out this site, it has lots of good information.

Good luck!

Answer 6

You need to work with the caregiver on using a cup, syringe, soft feeder, or paladai (paladais are awesome if you can find someone who knows how to use them)

Nursing Through Confusion

http://www.drjaygordon.com/development/b...

Nipple Confusion  

http://www.kellymom.com/bf/start/concern...