So we've been struggling this week with sleeping problems with LO. Now we are having problems breastfeeding at night. She is 8 weeks old and will feed just fine during the day. She starts having problems in the evening to night time. She acts super hungry, but when we go to latch she screams like I'm trying to put something awful in there. She's been bottle and breastfed since the beginning and she hasn't had a problem before. Could she be gassy? We burp her and nothing comes out. Could it be an ear infection? We were just at the ped's office on Wednesday for her two month shots. He checked her ears. Is it a nursing strike and we just need to offer breast only? Help! I am feeling like a crap mom because of the issues we are having lately.
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I know how you feel- my LO has been doing that at night too. Gas drops seem to help her. Have you tried those?
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We had a rough time early on with night feedings- what saved me was using a nipple shield at night, it made things go much smoother for both of us and eventually we weaned off of it.
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C had some major tummy issues around that age- I never really was sure what it was but she would arch her back and go all stiff as she screamed. We ended up giving her gas drops in between sides, not sure f it helped. We also tried gripe water, and I made sure to bicycle or pump her legs several times a day. I would also hold her upright after eating, even in the motn. Eventually she grew out of it. I don't know if it's the same issue though since she would start screaming after she ate.
I do remember it's just the worst feeling when Dh screams at your breast- it feels like she is literally rejecting you and that you are hurting her instead of comforting, so hugs to you. I would try the drops if you have them but try not to take it too personally (like I did). It's going to get better.
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It definitely sounds like it could be gas that's upsetting your LO, can you try some gentle tummy or baby massage to help settle her tummy and calm her down a wee bit? I'm also wondering whether baby wearing in the evenings might help you both.
My other thought is to try and get her sucking on a paci or your pinky finger (nail towards the tongue) before you feed her as the sucking might calm her down enough to get her latch organised and feed properly.
I remember Miss A going through an upsetting evening phase at around 8-12 weeks and it sucks!
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@Foodnerd81: This. The. Worst. Feeling. No major advice, just condolences, and you might try side-lying, if you haven't already. That resolved a few of our nursing strikes.
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@mjane: yes, side-lying is a godsend! That's how we have nursed since August.
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Sorry :(. I just wanted to encourage you that chances are it's just a phase. PPs have given great suggestions. We personally found gas drops to be our best friend and used them freely
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Eta: just reread my post and realized it says when DH is screaming at your breast instead of SHE. Please be aware that only my baby screams at my breast, not my husband. Thanks.
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8 comments