[korintherin]

Hi,

We had a great BF relationship up until the last couple of weeks... DS is pushing off my chest with his arm (but hanging on to my nipple, OW) and grunting/growling. When my milk lets down he's all business, but this other behavior starts up after a few mins (and sometimes before milk lets down).

Now my milk is taking longer to let down because I tense up, so this could become a vicious cycle... what do I do?

He's chomping a bit now and then, too, but not combined wth pushing/growling. (Does chew on everything else he can get in his mouth) His normal "I'm done" behavior is to let go and turn his head.

 

[kp2009]

Ow!
I'm sorry but I don't really have much advice to give except to say that ds did the same thing when he was unhappy with the flow (as if he could somehow make the milk come faster by pulling on it!)

 

[Mrsboyko]

Teething. Yes it starts early. Chewing on a nipple can make it feel better for him, though pretty painful for you. Maybe give him a finger instead?

Or

Growth spurt and needing more milk. He could be trying to increase your supply, though 3 weeks seems like a long time. Drink a big glass of water as he is eating. While pumping i notice this make me give more milk. I figure it probably works the same with a baby as opposed to a pump.

Does it only happen at certian times of the day, or every feeding? If it ie every feeding it could also be gas/ reflux issues.

Hope it gets better soon! Hugs.

 

[korintherin]

I had been wondering if it was a flow thing. Will definitely try drinking more water!

He has been nursing for shorter periods, also.

I called the local LC and she suggested trying a different position. So far that seems to help. Instead of having him recline in the cradle position I put his butt between my thighs and his feet hang out by my knees, so he is in a more upright position, though his torso is a little twisted. Another benefit is that he can't push off the chair with his feet. He still pushes with his arm but I can deflect that with my hand.

We will keep trying that and see how it goes. He is certainly not lacking milk overall (17 lbs 4 oz at 4 month visit). But my breasts aren't leaking any more (e.g. opposite side during letdown) so I was wondering if my supply was changing somehow...

On the bright side it is SO NICE to sleep without a bra on again

(ETA: Forgot to say, his gas/reflux has been getting better rather than worse)

 

[kalamos23]

As far as the supply goes, yours is probably just regulating. I had a huge oversupply (had to block feed and nurse uphill bc of OALD) and mine regulated by 4.5 months so the timing on that sounds fine.