https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Tue, 07 Apr 2026 14:05:23 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/25-3-months-how-do-you-know-when-they-are-hungry-anymore#post-340117 Sun, 14 Oct 2012 14:08:08 +0000 London Mama 340117@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My DS is 3 months 1 week and doing the same thing. At first I was mystified as the boob has always been the miracle cure for any time he was crying and now he gets really upset when i try to give it to him. But it turns out he doesn't want the breast in the same way any more. Not only has his hunger cues changed (or even disappeared) but he doesn't need to eat more than every two hours at most, often going 3+ hours between meals and when he eats it takes max 10 minutes. If i try to feed hi before he gets really annoyed. It seems the 45 minute nursing sessions of his newborn days are long gone!</p> <p>DS also chews his hands all the time and even makes chewing motions, none of which means he's hungry. Now I keep an eye on the time and if it's 2 hours or more since the last feed and he seems fussy or restless I offer him the breast. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/25-3-months-how-do-you-know-when-they-are-hungry-anymore#post-340073 Sun, 14 Oct 2012 13:07:00 +0000 sarac 340073@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>This sounds so hard. I know it may be near impossible, but trying to really follow his hunger cues will be exactly as much as he needs. It sounds like his weight gain is really good, so you really have no cause for excess concern. You're doing a wonderful job of feeding him. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/25-3-months-how-do-you-know-when-they-are-hungry-anymore#post-134674 Mon, 23 Apr 2012 20:57:33 +0000 regberadaisy 134674@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@irene: I hope cutting dairy works for you!</p> <p>I def have a TON to learn about breastfeeding! It's all a little daunting! Glad there's a LC at my peds office! :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/25-3-months-how-do-you-know-when-they-are-hungry-anymore#post-134654 Mon, 23 Apr 2012 20:37:11 +0000 Mrs. Bee 134654@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@irene: charlie experienced a drop from the 90% to the 75% then the 50%.</p> <p>he is still gained weight so i think he is doing great! hopefully eliminating dairy will help. i don't know enough about acid reflux, but that must be causing a lot of problems as well!</p> <p>and yes by that age fist in mouth is self-soothing. olive could do it at 2 months and i knew she wasn't hungry.</p> <p>good luck and let us know if the dairy elimination works! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/25-3-months-how-do-you-know-when-they-are-hungry-anymore#post-134641 Mon, 23 Apr 2012 20:30:47 +0000 irene 134641@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Thanks guys --</p> <p>General update - I saw the pediatrician today and he also suggests me trying to cut all dairy. He said it will take 4 days to clear it out from both of our systems. He also gave me the number to make appointment with the GI doctor. However, in general he is not concerned. My son did drop from 75-90% to 50-75%... but he's not concerned... yet.</p> <p>I also talked to the LC through the phone and asked if I should make an appointment. After she got my information, she said he is actually doing great.... his 2 month check up he was at 13 lb 2 oz and as of today, at the pediatrician's, he is 14 lbs. So he gained 14 oz in 23 days and she thinks he's doing fine.</p> <p>I will try not to weigh him, or let the numbers bother me for now... let's see what happens...</p> <p>@regberadaisy: What you talked about is more like breastfeeding 101-- now I realize all those classes are more preparing you for your newborn. Once you go pass it it is a whole different ball game and no one prep you for it unless you read those "what to expect" books back to back! I remember back then I thought all I need to worry about is to have enough milk. Boy was i wrong. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/25-3-months-how-do-you-know-when-they-are-hungry-anymore#post-133138 Sun, 22 Apr 2012 07:06:32 +0000 brownie 133138@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My son is now 1 year old and has been breastfeed this entire time. He was diagnosed with reflux at 2 weeks old. It wasn't reflux, it was a dairy and soy allergy. Some things that have helped us:<br /> 1) no dairy or soy- it takes 2 weeks for it to clear your little ones system. Try it for 2 weeks and see if you notice a difference.<br /> 2) scheduling feedings - when we knew it hurt him to eat, he was on a strict 3 hour feeding schedule. That gave him time for the acid to stop before the next feeding. If he's eating every hour, he probably isn't really hungry but looking for comfort. For most babies I would say that is fine but for reflux and allergy babies it just hurts.<br /> 3) at around 3 months, they get much more efficient at nursing and take less time. Your baby just may be ahead of the curve.<br /> My baby would scream on the boob, or off the boob so, we stopped on demand nursing. Since he has been dairy and soy free, we have gone back to demand.</p> <p>You do know what is best for him and it is trial and error. Good luck! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/25-3-months-how-do-you-know-when-they-are-hungry-anymore#post-133104 Sun, 22 Apr 2012 02:04:54 +0000 lemondrop 133104@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Got me, I'm still guessing with my guy. Sending you hugs, you are doing a great job even though you are frustrated! Remember that these little monsters go through phases, once you get something figured out- they seem to know and decide to change it all up!<br /> Hang in there! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/25-3-months-how-do-you-know-when-they-are-hungry-anymore#post-133052 Sat, 21 Apr 2012 21:30:47 +0000 obxwife 133052@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I wish I had some good advice for you but I think every baby is different. :/</p> <p>My LO usually will BF for about 10 minutes each breast but will unlatch to burp but will sometimes BF for 20 minutes. Some days, he'll cry cry cry non stop and I think it's just gas? I offer boob, he doesn't take it and I just hold him til he falls asleep. </p> <p>It's only happened a couple of times and I've come to the realization it's only when I eat spicy foods!! Hasn't happened since I stopped eating tacos ;)</p> <p>If he unlatches and "acts" hungry - I wouldn't try to feed again unless he fusses. Especially if he's got acid reflux. Overeating can't be good for that. </p> <p>Hope you find a solution though! Ask your doc if it really worries you. :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/25-3-months-how-do-you-know-when-they-are-hungry-anymore#post-133048 Sat, 21 Apr 2012 21:22:36 +0000 BabyBoecksMom 133048@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My baby is 3 months old tomorrow and she's doing the same thing! I figure, if I pull her off and she cries, she's still hungry, but if she starts sucking on her hands then she just wants to suck and she's fine. Good luck to you! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/25-3-months-how-do-you-know-when-they-are-hungry-anymore#post-133042 Sat, 21 Apr 2012 21:05:42 +0000 T.H.O.U. 133042@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm so sorry. This is so hard and every kid is different. The only suggestion I have is to have the LC watch you feed him. She may be able to see some things she can suggest. You really just have to go with your gut. It sounds like he's gaining weight and is healthy so unless there are other factors I would not think your supply is dropping. Keep drinking your water and don't diet. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/25-3-months-how-do-you-know-when-they-are-hungry-anymore#post-133030 Sat, 21 Apr 2012 20:35:54 +0000 regberadaisy 133030@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>oo..I feel like I will be prowling this forum when my LO comes. According to the LC at our BFing class the other night when your LO is full their hands should be relaxed and not clenched. Sounds like that's not always the case. She also did mention some babies just like to "suck" and might not be hungry. But then she is against giving a paci at the beginning...so go figure. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/25-3-months-how-do-you-know-when-they-are-hungry-anymore#post-133028 Sat, 21 Apr 2012 20:31:33 +0000 chopsuey 133028@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@irene: I stopped being hungry and thirsty all the time too. Just make sure you're eating well and drinking A LOT despite not feeling the hunger and thirst. I'm almost 13 months pp and I drink probably 120 ounces/day.<br /> Also, have you talked to your pediatrician about the reflux? Did s/he have any advice?<br /> I'm not sure about the 2-3 ounces since I'm not a doctor, but I'm sure there were days when my LO got the same. I didn't have a scale, so I couldn't tell how much she was eating. I wouldn't weigh your LO if I were you.. I think I would go CRAZY if I knew how much or how little she was eating.<br /> I don't know about your pedi, but mine says that I can call and bring my LO in whenever I have any concerns about eating and weight gain.. I would take your LO in if it's starting to stress you out. Stress isn't good for you and your milk production.<br /> You may want to feed your LO more often if he's only getting 2-3 ounces. Maybe once every 2 hours instead? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/25-3-months-how-do-you-know-when-they-are-hungry-anymore#post-133010 Sat, 21 Apr 2012 20:07:48 +0000 irene 133010@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@chopsuey119: So if he unlatches, still look hungry but cry and won't take my breasts, I weigh him and he only drank 2 oz since 2.5-3 hours ago, and that's still OK? :( </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/25-3-months-how-do-you-know-when-they-are-hungry-anymore#post-133008 Sat, 21 Apr 2012 20:04:56 +0000 irene 133008@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@chopsuey119: I also tried not to give him a paci but recently I just gave in. He is one frantically cry fussy baby and we have let him cried it out for so long it just didn't feel right..</p> <p>My LO used to take my breasts, drink, and threw up like you said! To be honest, psychologically I would have felt better in that case because it means I have milk (and his continuous sucking means I won't lose my supply) and he is really full. But that makes his acid reflux worse though. Just the past weeks I think he has figured out he shouldn't over eat, or I am not sure what the deal is. The fear I have is maybe he associated acid reflux with eating and he try to not eat so he wouldn't be in pain :(</p> <p>I do feel that my milk supply might have gone down though... I used to be hungry and thirsty all the time but I am just not hungry / thirsty like I used to anymore, and my breasts don't fill up as quickly as they used to be. All these worry (LO not getting enough, not eating, and me not having enough / losing my supply) is driving me insane. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/25-3-months-how-do-you-know-when-they-are-hungry-anymore#post-133003 Sat, 21 Apr 2012 19:55:34 +0000 chopsuey 133003@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Oh you poor thing! Totally brings back memories from when my LO was that age!!! I always thought my LO was hungry too so I kept nursing her.. and she would always end up throwing up if I wasn't careful. -.-<br /> What I learned, is when my LO unlatched, it meant she was done. I would give her more boob because she would suck on her fists and looked hungry too, but she almost always threw up if I did.<br /> So. Feed your LO. burp him. When he unlatches but still looks hungry, offer boob. If he takes a little and unlatches, or spits it out, it means he's done.<br /> Eventually I just let DD suck on her fists or a toy. Didn't use a paci for her but sometimes I wonder if I should have.<br /> It gets easier!! Hang in there! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/25-3-months-how-do-you-know-when-they-are-hungry-anymore#post-133001 Sat, 21 Apr 2012 19:49:13 +0000 irene 133001@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Sorry I have posted about my breastfeeding adventure with my 2 month 20 days old baby but I am really puzzled.</p> <p>I have been stressing out if my acid reflux baby is getting enough breast milk. He is exclusively breastfed. Some times he drinks for 8 minutes 1 breast and stop, refuse to drink more, and I have a scale there are times he drinks 1-3 oz per feed (my weak side holds maybe 3.5 oz max at engorgement, my "good" side maybe 4-6 oz). When you think he'd had enough, some times when you force to push his head to my breast even if he's crying and all, he would latch on and drink for 10 more minutes! </p> <p>Then, like tonight on the last feed, he acted like he hadn't eaten for years and drank with his hands clawing on my breasts. He actively sucked for the first 9 minutes, then he unlatched but he was still clawing my breasts as if he wanted more. I thought it was acid so I burped him and offered my 2nd breast. He would latch on like a hungry baby but then spit it out. This happens a couple of times and then he cried frantically. I burped him for 15 minutes and he still cries and I got some burps. He would still "act hungry" as he was alert and jumpy and all, he sucks on my finger, and his fists in his mouth (but he sucks his fists all the time now). But whenever I offer to feed him, he just cries. No position works (I tried to sit him up, or have him on top of me, he just cries as soon as he feels the proximity of the nipple next to his face). Today I asked my husband to warm up an oz of expressed milk and see if he'd take it. He took the bottle at first but then he sucked a bit and milk just drooled out of his chin. He just wasn't drinking. Yet he still "look" hungry. Then I put him down to sleep and he slept (well he woke up a few times crying but I gave him a pacifier and he calmed down).</p> <p>To be honest even though I wasted my express milk but I felt better knowing he didn't take the bottle either... so it may not mean that he was hungry.</p> <p>More information: He has 1 pretty messy poopy diaper everyday on average, he may skip a day occasionally.. so far it happened maybe 2-3 times. He also has enough wet diapers. For the past week (7-8 days), he may have gained 4 oz if I haven't measured wrong. He also always take my breasts after 1+ hours of not eating. Just that he may not last very long on it.</p> <p>His birth weight was 7 lb 10 oz, and as of today he is 14 lb. I have to mention though he has been acting like a very good breastfeeding baby up until maybe the past 2 weeks, so his growth rate might have slowed. I have no idea.</p> <p>At 2.5-3 months, they said fist in mouth doesn't mean hunger anymore - it is just an exploration of his hands and/or a way to self sooth. My husband says rooting doesn't mean hunger too at his age, as sometimes he roots to / sucks my finger but won't take my breasts, or bottle. </p> <p>So how do you tell if your baby is still hungry at this age? It is seriously driving me crazy as I wasn't sure if it was me that my supply went down, or if he really isn't getting enough milk, or acid reflux, or what is the deal here. </p> <p>I will see our pediatrician and call a lactation consultant. I even think I need to see a shrink because of this. Can anyone shed some light? </p>