New mom. Feeding questions

[Shanesmom]

I've noticed a change in the feedings habits of my 3 month old. It seems as though he never wants to feed for a good solid time. He only likes to "snack".....eating for just a few minutes (if that) at a time. He will frequently ACT as though he is searching for the nipple, but when offered won't take it. ????

Also when he eats he will break away after a couple seconds, get stiff and cry thus ending our feeding sessions. I feel he doesn't get enough to eat.

Anyone know possible reasons for this? Also what are the BFing habits of your babies? How often a day? For how long?

[HonkyTonka]

Might be a forceful letdown that causes him to arch away. Maybe you are offering too often? At that age mine would eat every 1-2 hours, for a good 5-10 minutes. (she slept through the night so had to make up a few feeds in the day time).

[Knitting Mama]

I second the question of how often you're offering? At 3 months, he should be able to make it 1-2 hours without feeding.

[Terrilein]

Mine is 3 almost 4 months old and does the same thing when my letdown is too much for him or if he really needs to burp! Sometimes I also think he's not really wanting to nurse, just use me as his paci since he won't take one and it irks him that milk comes out when he's not wanting any. Just some thoughts for you.

[smeep]

What they said, and also try nursing while laying on your back in a semi-reclined position.

[Shanesmom]

Thanks for the replies guys!

I offer him the boob whenever he cries. this could be every 30 min to a couple hours. I guess I just want to rule out the hunger factor.

I suppose I have this expectation that babies are always going to want to eat and that they will take the nipple whenever offered. That's why it upsets me when he cries and acts like he's hungry yet won't take the nipple.

As far as letdown goes, yes he will suck hard and gulp everything down, than stiffen up, pull away and cry. But what can I do about that? I don't like him to feed for only a min at a time (if that) because I want him to get that fattier hindmilk. Does this make sense?

Thanks guys!!

[Knitting Mama]

Is your letdown strong enough that you can express pretty easily? If so, just express off the first bit and then latch him on. Then he'll get the less forceful and fattier hindmilk. I'm not sure if you have to do that every time (I have a low supply rather than an oversupply!) but it should help. Also, think about block feeding, meaning that you latch him on to the same side for multiple feedings instead of switching breasts.

As usual, Kellymom is a fantabulous resource for all things breastfeeding.

http://www.kellymom.com/bf/supply/fast-letdown.html

[Shanesmom]

Cecilla, thanks so much for the link. I've been immersed in it these last few days!!

[Knitting Mama]

Glad to help!!