Any one else have this problem?

Question

am exclusively breastfeeding my little guy (3 months old). He has this strong need to suck and for the longest time I couldnt figure out why he would spit up gallons of milk after eating.

I want to feed on demand, but dont think I can because of his need to suck - and yes, he does know the difference between a pacifier and my boob and makes sure I KNOW that he knows...

How do you know when he is really hungry or if he just wants to suck and then spit up all the milk?

Answer 1

I have no idea. I would talk to your pediatrician about it.

Answer 2

My 4 month old has always been the same way.  She wants nothing to do with nething plastic.  I feed on demand, always have.  If u don't does he cry till he gets it?  If so, then just feed him.  He'll spit up what he doesn't need, that's the beautiful thing about nature. What's worse- denying him what he knows best or cleaning up some spit?

Answer 3

I'm going through this right now with my three week old. It is sometimes hard to tell the difference between real hunger and comfort nursing. So, the last few days I have been feeding her at least on one side. If she acts hungry after being burped then I offer the other side. Sometimes she takes it, sometimes she doesn't. If soon after she acts hungry then I put her on the empty breast (the first side that she nursed from.) If she acts as though she isn't satisfied with it or is nursing vigorously THEN I give her the other side because she probably was still hungry. I still get fooled by her once in a while but it works better than just feeding, feeding, feeding and having her spit up everything. Also, you are probably right about your oversupply. The more they take, the more you make. The whole supply/demand aspect of nursing is really quite amazing. I would avoid pumping if you can. But maybe hand express some before the baby nurses (if you can) so that he doesn't get quite as much. Just a thought. Good luck to you!

Answer 4

You might want to talk to your doctor about this. Most babies who breastfeed know how to "comfort nurse." They can nurse without getting a lot of milk. If your baby is spitting up "gallons" that's not normal.

You might have an oversupply. Or your baby might have a sensitivity to something you've eaten.

http://www.kellymom.com/babyconcerns/ref...

ETA: Try nursing "uphill?" There are some other suggestions at the link below. I had a slight oversupply and did block feeding for a few days. It calmed down a lot after that.

http://www.kellymom.com/bf/supply/fast-l...

Answer 5

take him off have way threw and burp him, and see if he wants his pacifier if he takes it he's done and just wants to suck, if not let him feed more and try again, my daughter did the same thing (she's 11 weeks old) lol