Won't eat

Mary - posted on 12/04/2008

He may not be eating "less." Eating for a shorter amount of time does not mean less. That is the thing with us BF moms. We teach ourselves to rely on time to measure how much they eat because we can't actually see it. As they get older, and usually at about 2-3 months, they really get the hang of the whole latching on and sucking thing, and they become much more efficient eaters. Also, your let down naturally will start to release faster. If you look at bottle nipple styles, they make slow flow for 0-3 months and faster flow for 3+. Well your body will naturally adjust your flow to suit your baby. Also, he is still having poopy diapers, whether more or less, they are still there, so it's okay. Also, wet diapers are more of a sign than poopy too because often BF babies can go days w/o pooping. Not because of constipation, but because there is so much less 'waste' in breastmilk, than in formula. Don't stress about it. Babies usually start at about 30 minute feeds, mine did, and get more efficient. Mine was taking about 5 minutes, period, to eat. He is now back up to about 10-15 minutes but he gets distracted now by everything going on around him. Just go with it, he knows when he's full and he knows when he's hungry. And if will make you feel better to try at least one more thing before you accept that he eats for less time. Feed him on one side as long as you can, burp him and offer the other, like normal, but then after he finishes with that side, offer the other one again. Maybe he just isn't patient enough and wants the milk now! Instead of waiting for the hindmilk on the first breast. If that doesn't get him to eat more, then he's probably full.

Marie - posted on 12/04/2008

I am heading to the doctor tomorrow. He has symptoms of colic now; I thought at his age he shouldn't get colic, but what do I know. I am hoping the lactation consultant will be able to tell me if there is something I need to be doing differently or just confirm that it truly is just a phase.

Jamie - posted on 12/04/2008

I also noticed my daughter eating less the past couple of days. I also started to pump once a day to keep my milk up. I haven't been to the doctor about it, as she doesn't seem bothered at all by this. Her poop production has gone down as well but she still wees quite a bit. I agree, it must be a phase.

Maricel - posted on 12/04/2008

You know, I have noticed my little one eating less these days too. I think she is just going thru a phase though. My doctor doesn't seemed concerned and I have been told that she is getting ready to bounce beck into a growth spurt and eat again. She doesn't seem to be t upset about it. I was more concerned with my milk production going down during this phase, so I started pumping just in case. What does your doctor say?