7.5 month old pulling off the breast and crying

[shannonwren]

Two days ago my 7.5 month old started pulling off the breast and crying after about 2 minutes. He would go back on and cry harder and try this about 5 times and I would switch sides and he would nurse for about 2 minutes and then cry again. It doesn't seem like gas. I do not eat dairy and had not eaten anything new for him. He doesn't have any teeth yet but he has had teething symptoms before and does not have any of the other symptoms. He does not do this at night, only during the day. I have thought that my milk supply was low. I started my period last week and thought maybe this had something to do with it. I broke down and gave him bottles a few times because he seemed so hungry.
He drank the bottles fine and then was perfectly happy like he was just hungry and I didnt have any milk. So I pumped after he had the bottle and only 1 ounce was produced. I typically pump about 3+ ounces each side.

I wonder if my supply is low, is he weaning?, I know I could be making the situation worse by giving him bottles but he seems so hungry. I'm pumping like crazy, drinking water and taking fenugreek. I don't know what else it could be and really don't want him to be weaning.

Any ideas? Thank you!

[firelillylight]

my dd is also almost 7.5 mo and is doing the same thing! and i was worried about low supply. seems like it's taking longer for a let-down too. not sure what to tell you though. dd seems to only do it at night and it's been for a week or so now. i was thinking about watching my hydration and food intake, and possibly taking herbs...

good luck, i hope others chime in....

mel

[Sativarain1]

could it be teething? Mine went thru that for about a week then sprouted some teeth and all was fine again.

[Bokonon]

It could be slower flow because of your period returning. Pumping 1 oz. is still a respectable amount, though you shouldn't judge your supply by the amount you pump.

Babies do not self-wean that young. http://www.kellymom.com/bf/weaning/babyselfwean.html

If he is not doing it at night, then during the day, try nursing him with as few distractions as possible, and practice breast compressions to help the milk flow more quickly.
http://www.kellymom.com/newman/15bre...mpression.html

If you are bottle-feeding, it is imperative that you use a nipple with a slow flow, as if the bottle is easier to get milk from, you might end up with a nursing strike.