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My 6 mo. old refusing to nurse!!

Laura - posted on 08/01/2009 ( 5 moms have responded )

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My 6 month old daughter is now refusing to nurse unless it is in the middle of the night or when she's really sleepy. During the day she will cry because she's hungry but to get her to nurse for more than 5 minutes or so is like torture to her. So now she's constipated and I'm sure it's because of not getting enough fluids (and she does NOT like juice or water). She eats baby food and cereal fine...it's like she thinks she has better things to do than to lay back and eat for 30 minutes like she used to.

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Erica - posted on 08/02/2009

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i have a 6month old son doing the same thing for about 3/4 weeks now , he gets too distracted and doesnt want to nurse and on top of that I have started a job so I just gave up BF during the day and pump and BF at night , I have offered it during the day but he just doesnt want to take the time to do it and like the one lady said I know when he does nurse he doesnt take as long but is getting the same amount.

Melissa - posted on 08/01/2009

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sounds like a nursing strike. my daughter went through the same thing when she was around 5 months. check out this website



http://www.kellymom.com/bf/concerns/baby...



this will pass! good luck!

Kristin - posted on 08/01/2009

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My daughter is 5 months and she had been doing the same thing. I was really concerned and I went to the doctor and he said she was gaining weight fine and was perfectly healthy! Sometimes she nurses for only 5 minutes, but she does nurse a lot better when she is tired. I would cut back on the solids a little or pump after she eats and see if she ate it all. You would be surprised at how efficient they are at this age. I wouldn't worry too much and if you are worried go to the doctor and let them reassure you.

Maria - posted on 08/01/2009

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As long as she's drinking something it helps... but try giving her breastmilk in a bottle, sippy cup or put more in her cereal.

Minnie - posted on 08/01/2009

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Is she truly constipated? Hard dry pebbles?



Cut down on the baby food and cereal- you dont want those replacing any nursing sessions. If she's eating enough of that she's not going to be hungry for your milk.



She's also distractible. Try nursing lying down in bed with the room dark. Or try different positions. Get a nursing necklace (a long sturdy necklace) that she can fiddle with to focus while nursing.



And she just might be getting more efficient at nursing. Five minutes is quite sufficient for many babies your daughter's age.



But I would first look at how much solids you are giving her and try to minimize distractions.



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

http://www.kellymom.com/bf/concerns/baby...

http://www.kellymom.com/nutrition/solids...

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