4 month old screaming at the breast and will not feed.

Cindy - posted on 05/24/2012

i have the same problem ... i put him close to my breast and try to get him to suck but he just starts screaming so i end up just giving him a bottle ...... right now we are on vacation so that might be why i don't know ......he did just fall asleep after i tryed so maybe he was tired . .... but i don't think he was tired last night when i tryed and he did the same thing...... .also he rarely breast feeds ... i work now 40 hours a week plus 2 hours total each day driving .... so by time i get home i'm pretty tired ..... anyone have any tricks ????

Melissa - posted on 01/18/2009

My daughter would do that as well when she was really tired. I used to use the pacifier to calm her and then quickly pull it out and replace it with my boob. It worked for her. She will also cry sometimes if the letdown is too slow. I just squeeze my nipple until I see milk and then offer her the breast. Is it possible that your baby is teething? My daughter did not want to breastfeed when her gums were sore. She got her first 2 teeth at 4 months.

Bridget - posted on 01/18/2009

My daughter just had gastroenteritis (diarrhea and vomiting) and she started doing the same thing.  The pediatrician said she probably had sores in her esophagus from the vomiting so he put her on an acid reducer for a month, just to let her heal, and she is so much better.  And now she doesn't scream until after she eats and doesn't get the burp up right away.

Angharad - posted on 01/18/2009

i know this is going to sound silly but have you changed anything latley like deoderant perfume detergant bubble bath or even if you nomally have a cuppa or sit in a certain chair  i know it sound so stupid but it is true i laughed when i first heard this at one of the classes i went to as i have just recently graduated as a la leache league peer councilor for breast feeding its a mother to mother support group also anything like if you have had an argument whilst feeding i also agree with the pumping idea i hope this helps x x x

Tana - posted on 01/18/2009

Not sure if this is just a supply issue and let down question you are asking about or if she starts screaming before she even latches?  But, if she is fussy at the breast there could be many things going on but the first thing I think of is a food allergy.  Would most likely be dairy.  Check out Kellymom for more info.

Don't give up!  This too shall pass :))

Jocelyn - posted on 01/18/2009

I've had this same problem too. If she is really tired or really hungry she will not take my breast. I agree with what Rachael mentioned, either feed him 10-15 minutes before you can see that he is hungry or I have pumped a little bit to get my milk to let down and then she will latch. I started experiencing this right around 3 months-when I went back to work. She knows a bottle is easier but I try to not give in. Just another thought-only because it took me a little bit to realize it...is he hungry? Sometimes my daughter will cry so hard and not take my breast because she is just tired and wants to sleep.

Rachael - posted on 01/18/2009

Maybe try taking a bath with him and breastfeeding him while your in the bath...You will both be relaxed and he might just latch on for you??? Worth a try plus you get a bath out of it :) Do you swaddle? You can try swaddling him and then offering him the breast.

Was he feeding fine before or has he always refused it?

Sharon - posted on 01/17/2009

Maybe you can try expressing some milk and rubbing it onto your nipple so he can know it's there?

Joanne - posted on 01/17/2009

Thanks Rachael. He wont even latch on, even when i force (sounds awful) his head to my breast, he still screams with a mouthful of breast.

Rachael - posted on 01/17/2009

I am sorry, that is frustrating!  Well first of all know that your not alone...breastfeeding is not always easy. Have you tried switching positions?

Do you have a pump? If so try pumping until your milk drops. He may be getting frustrated because he has to work to hard to get the milk. Pump or hand express until your milk comes down then try latching him on. Also if you know what times he is getting hungry at, try feeding him 10-15 before you know he is going to be hungry. Sometimes when ours get too hungry they don't have the patients to breastfeed and they get frustrated.

The best advice I have for you is to see a lactation consultant. He may not have a "proper" latch and it may be difficult for him to get the milk out or uncomfortable to latch on. Can't hurt to get a second opinion and guidence. Good luck I hope you work through it... Let us know how it goes.