XP - 5 month old will NOT eat

[fawnanddoe]

wasn't sure where to put this so it's x-posted in the breastfeeding challenges forum

I am having the worst day ever. DS usually eats great, we have never had any issues. All day today has been terrible. Screaming and crying but refusing to eat. Every time I try to feed him he arches his back and head as far as he can go. I usually feed him laying down, now he won't eat laying down half the time, sometimes I can get him to eat by swaddling him up and holding him while we bounce. It's just getting really tiring and frustrating for me today. Any idea what it could be? Is this going to pass soon?

[pumpkinhead]

Does he get bottles at all? What about a pacifier? Any solids?

Could he be cutting teeth? If so, you could try numbing up his gums good and trying (with ice, or something like oragel).

[eternamariposa]

Does anything else seem to be bothering the little guy? Is he fussy throughout other parts of the day? Maybe he has an upset tummy and is too full/uncomfortable to eat. Maybe he is teething. Is he on a schedule or feeding on demand? Maybe he just needs a bit more time between feedings to be ready? I think it could be a variety of things that is why I was asking what else you have noticed lately.

[fawnanddoe]

Originally Posted by pumpkinhead

Does he get bottles at all? What about a pacifier? Any solids?

Could he be cutting teeth? If so, you could try numbing up his gums good and trying (with ice, or something like oragel).

He rarely gets a bottle, never a pacifier, and never had solid food.

I was thinking he was maybe cutting teeth. He's been fussy at night, staying up a little later, and it's harder to get him to sleep.

He feeds on demand, and we're not on any kind of schedule.

[FiveLittleMonkeys]

I'm guessing he is cutting teeth. Sam has had trouble nursing when his teeth are bothering. I think the suction from nursing might increase the pressure/pain from teething.

When he's having a hard time, I give him some teething tablets before I nurse him. They have helped him to at least get a better nursing in.

Hope things improve for you and baby!