6 Week Old Won't Breastfeed Anymore!

The bottle takes less work to eat from than the breast. I would suggest getting a really slow flow nipple and continue offering the breast, having lots of skin to skin contact. Perhaps hire a post partum doula to help.

I would say, keep giving him the breast milk in a bottle. You can still have that mother-baby bonding time even while giving him the bottle. Just Hold him like you would while breast feeding only with the bottle instead. Granted it didn't last long, but you can still pump to keep the milk flowing, and still have the greatness of bonding with baby. Hope my advice works!

I had the same thing happen with my son and it could be one of two things- one is the food that you are eating. Some things give babies gas like broccoli, cabbage, chocolate, cinnamon and makes them unhappy when they eat. The second thing is that in my case my son preferred the bottle because he didn't have to work as hard to get the milk. When this happened I was devastated and thought the same thing as you - that I wouldn't bond with my baby, but that is so untrue and I have loved snuggling him when he takes a bottle. I feel just as close to my baby as when I was breast feeding him, and I look forward to the option of breast feeding my next child. My son is now 9 months old.

My advice is that if you aren't ready to give up breast feeding, then DON'T! My son went through phases where he didn't want to nurse, and we always figured it was because a bottle was much easier. One thing you can try is using a nipple shield for a while (target has them). The sheild may slightly remind him of the way a bottle feels in his mouth, and then you can gradually work away from that. Certainly, there is nothing wrong with feeding him a bottle, but if you still want the connection YOU feel with breastfeeding, then just hang in there and keep trying. My son did this from time to time when he was little, lasting anywhere from a couple days to a couple weeks at a time. Now he takes a bottle but prefers to nurse if he can!

Take a few days and don't give him any bottles. He's taking only the bottles right now because it is easier. Don't offer him any bottles and he will start nursing again. He will be hungry and cranky, so be prepared. Keep him with you at all times and just re-bond with him. Only offer him the breast. Do this before you go back to work. And make sure later that you never offer him bottles, only dad and his caregivers do. He will figure it out that it's better with you. Usually moms going back to work have the opposite problem! Try Mother's Milk tea when you're at work, too. It will help keep your milk production up. It's a really soothing tea. I loved it. But try this weekend, just breast feed. Keep him close to you. Try wearing him in a sling. He will start nursing again. Don't feel like you are starving him. He will get hungry enough and then he will nurse. Good luck!

Could it be something you ate that made the milk taste differently? Also, it could just be frustration that the milk doesn't flow as fast from your breast as a bottle, plus it's a lot more work for your baby. You might try pumping and getting the milk flowing before putting him to your breast.
It could also be a "nursing strike" where babies just refuse to nurse for unknown reasons and it can last a day or two (my daughter did this twice). I wouldn't give up and since you are able to pump and give bottles, I would do that but continue offering your breast before you offer a bottle. And make sure you are feeding him before he's starving - as soon as you see signs he's hungry, offer your breast.

As for bonding, if you do end up just having to bottle feed, know that that time with your baby is just as special as breastfeeding. It doesn't matter how you feed your child, it just matters that you take care of him and love him.

If you have three more months at home, stop the bottles completely. Use an eye dropper, drip the milk into his mouth at your breast. Drink lots of water, rest, hold him and enjoy him and think I will do this for you. He will go back to the breast when he knows he cannot have a pacifier of other nipple. When he gets back on the breast (try nursing him every two hours except at night) don't use a bottle until a week before going back to work. You already know he knows how to use a nipple. he is having two things 1) nipple confusion and 2) smart baby syndrome...he already knows the milk from the nipple comes more easily. I have done this with women several times. Every baby has taken back to the breast if Mom wants it and Dad is supportive. Patience and confidence in your parenting. I am a retired La Leche League leader who is still working one on one with breast feeding moms. V. Go ahead and pump after offering the breast and save that milk for when you do go back to work.

Don't give up!

I went through something similar with my 7-week old. She had not come up to her birthweight at her 2-week pediatrician visit and the Dr. wanted her to gain at least 2 oz. in three days. I made the decision to pump and feed her breastmilk from a bottle to help her gain her weight back and monitor exactly how much milk she was getting during that three-day period.

After those three days, she gained 6.5 oz.! However, she no longer wanted to breastfeed. It's true. Babies have to work harder to get the milk out of a natural nipple than an artificial one.

My doctor gave me great advice — use your breast pump or hand express (whichever works best for your situation) to allow your milk to let down BEFORE you sit down to breastfeed. That way, your baby doesn't have to work so hard to feed before your milk lets down. (This is usually why they get frustrated.) Getting your milk going beforehand will give your baby an easier time on the breast until you get back into a rhythm. It works but be patient — it may take a little time for your little one to get used to it again. Don't force it either. When I was trying to reintroduce the breast, I would also have a bottle of breastmilk handy just in case she would get frantic.

Also, babies get overstimulated by the end of the day so try offering the breast in the morning/afternoon for better success.

He probably prefers the bottle. He's not against you. It is just that the bottle is a lot less work than the breast. He has to suck and work twice as hard to nurse, where as with the bottle it's very easy to get the milk out and faster. You should be going to the Pediatrician soon. Ask the doc what they suggest.

Don't worry...even tho breast feeding is a special time between you...feeding is still a bonding time..I assume you still hold and cuddle him...look into his eyes...talk to him...trust me you are both still bonding.

I just have to say that breastfeeding does not make you a good mom. I know it is best for your baby and if you can do it, great! But if not, it does not mean you are a bad mom. My first child never really took to nursing and I forced it for 6 months and we both hated it. I tried not feeding her so she would be hungry and nurse but it just made us both grumpy, it was really hard. At six months she finally had had enough and reused to do it. With my next one, he started out great! But then he would eat a bit and scream. I finally realized that my milk comes out very slowly and was extremely frustrating for him. So again, I had to give him a bottle once in a while. Then my milk supply depleted and he stopped at 4 months but I was just pumping for a month before I quit. My last baby only lasted 2 months and that was mostly pumping since I didn't have any milk and believe me, I tried everything in the book to keep my supply up but nothing worked.
My point is, if it is creating stress for you and your baby, it is not worth it. Your baby will love you whether or not you breastfeed. My mom told me she only breastfed me for a couple weeks and I love her and am very close with her.

I think it's more difficult to get milk out of a breast, so since your baby has seen how easy the bottle is, he prefers that. They do have bottles that are supposed to flow a little more like mama, but I don't know how much that would help.

If you want your baby to nurse (I can understand why you would, there is NOTHING like that bonding time) then you might want to consider taking the bottle away for now. I'm sure he will fuss, but maybe if you give it a few days he will forget about the bottle??? I have one baby whom I did not breastfeed as much as the others and we definitely do not have the same natural bond as I do with my other 4 children. He is 11 now, and I have regrets about it.

All my babies are 7 and older and I miss that time with them, so in hindsight, I would say do everything you can to get your baby breastfeeding. :)

It sounds like he has learned to prefer the easy delivery of the nipple. If you are really dedicated to nursing, you may have to give up the bottle for a while. I would contact the Le Leche League or the lactation consultant at the hospital. She told me to call any time for anything and that she even made housecalls if needed, all for free.

Hi A.! I had a similar problem when my first son who was also born on Jan. 16th (he's now 4). He was in the NICU for the first few days, and was given the bottle. He refused the breast and therefore my milk never came in. With my daughter (now 4 months old) I had a terrible time getting her to latch on. So bad that I did some heavy damage to my nipples. I had to pump until they healed and it was difficult to get her to switch from bottle to breast. However, I was determined to get her to breastfeed. I know it is hard to hear your son cry and therefore you want to give the bottle once he refuses the breast. I can only recommend that you try to get him to latch for longer periods of time each time you feed. Give the breast first and after at least ten minutes start with the bottle. Don't give up! And more importantly don't beat yourself up if it turns out that you might not get to breastfeed him for the length of time that you had planned. You will have no problem bonding with him, believe me. Good luck and know that your son will let you know what he wants. Take care! S.

My daughter was born 3 weeks early and then spent a week in the NICU. Because she wasn't able to breastfeed while she was in the NICU the nurses had me start pumping. Eventually she started taking a bottle of breast milk. I had intended on switching her to the breast when she got home, but through the advice of the lactation consultants I was starting her on the breast and then following that with a bottle to make sure she was getting enough.

Then in a follow-up visit with my Pediatrician, he was very honest with me and said "you have to make a choice...either go completely bottle or completely breastfeeding" because little babies are smart...they will learn that a bottle is easier! In my case, if my daughter knows a bottle is going to follow, she will refuse the breast because its a lot more work. Perhaps that is whats happening in your case? If you really want to give it a shot, then I would consider not giving a bottle for a while, until he has mastered the breasfeeding again. Good luck to you and your family!

I agree with some previous posters. Sometimes babies don't want to breastfeed because it's easier for them to take the bottle. I have a five month old who I am breastfeeding right now. I like to have the flexibility of being able to give her the bottle, but love to have the closeness of breastfeeding. I found that my little one often went through seasons of only wanting the bottle. During that time, I would only give her only the breasts for a while to get her used to it again. Now she breastfeeds during the day and takes one to two bottles of milk that I have pumped every night.
If you don't want to miss out on the special bond of breastfeeding, then just keep working at it. It is not always easy, but in the long run you will be so happy you did it. There are plenty of places you can get the support you need to keep going.

Nursing takes more effort than drinking from a bottle. You may want to contact the lactation specialist for more help. Offering the bottle too quickly will only make it easier to refuse the breast.

A., It is easier for the baby to take the bottle than to breast feed. so basicaly he's just a little lazy. If you want to nurse, then you will have to nurse and not give him a bottle for awile. He will eventually latch back on. But be patient he might cry for awhile, and if you get tense he will know and it will be harder for him to nurse.

Hi A.. Congratulations on your new baby boy. Parenting a new baby can bring the most amazing joy and challenges all wrapped up in one cute little bundle! Once you think you have it all figured out, baby changes things. :-) That will last his entire life... Thank goodness for other mommies who have been there done that and can offer encouraging words of advice.

First of all, how often do you breastfeed your baby and how often does your husband give him the bottle? The bottle is much easier for baby to suck from; it requires less "suction". If you want baby to breastfeed, you might want to avoid using the bottle for a couple to three weeks until your baby gets comfortable with the breast. Once he’s practiced nursing and is comfortable with the breast, you can reintroduce the bottle. I also recommend that you offer the breast before the baby gets too hungry; before he even begins to fuss. If he normally eats every three to four hours, try offering the breast fifteen to thirty minutes before you think he will be hungry. Hungry babies are typically less willing to try new or harder things when they are hungry. In this case, the breast; also when you introduce solids, the same will hold true.

Questions: Can you feel your milk let down? If so, do you feel it when you are pumping AND when your baby is latched on? Are you sure baby is latching on properly? Maybe baby is getting tired during nursing and you might need to help him by supporting your breast while he is nursing, even if you don’t have large breasts. Try different positions: the football hold, for example, versus the natural tummy to tummy position. Also, if you are holding him in front of you, make sure you are tummy to tummy. The baby's entire body should be turned towards you so that he doesn't have to turn his head while he is nursing. Don't worry about suffocating him; you'd be amazed at how natural it is for baby to instinctively position his head so that he is breathing just fine. If you are concerned about that though, simply take a finger and press on your breast to provide for him a little pocket of air and he'll be just fine.

Try those things and let me know how it goes today. I look forward to hearing back from you. Also, make sure you're drinking plenty of non-caffeinated liquids.

One thing that might be happening is nipple confusion and also you have to remember that a bottle doesn't make a baby work as hard to get milk as the breast. So often if a bottle is introduced to soon, like before a solid nursing pattern is established, baby will not want to take the breast anymore. I would definitely try to speak with a lactation consultant, like Cindy at Alliance Breastfeeding Center. Also, remember that almost every breastfeeding mother has one or more problem(s) that arise, especially the first time trying to nurse a baby. I have had many in the 18 1/2 months with my daughter who is still nursing, but if you are willing to not give up, be persistent and seek the right kind of supportive help, you can and will be successful! La Leche League is another great resource, as well as postpartum doulas (which I am one). Best of luck!!

I really dislike the myth that the way to bond is with breast feeding. Yes it is a special gift however, just feeding your son one way or the other is bonding. I had to stop breast feeding my daughter when she was 2 months due to medical issues and we had just as strong of a bond as anyone that ever breast fed. Be thankful to a degree that your son likes the bottle more, you can still give him breast milk and you can actually have a visual how much he is getting. He doesn't have to work as hard maybe with a bottle and if he likes it as hard as it is on your emotional well being then it should be fine. Some babies just like one or the other. Since you are going back to work it will be a lot more convenient for you as well. My kids both actually preferred formula over breast milk, so be glad he is doing this milestone without complications or frustrations on his part and hang in there, he and you bond in a million other ways.

If you want to breastfeed, keep trying. A lot of babies will go through a time where they struggle with the breast, but they ususally come back around if you keep offering it. Also, babies get efficiate at nursing, and sometimes don't need to nurse any longer then five minutes to get what they need. If he is still having wet and poopy diapers, and he doesn't seem to be hungry when he gets done nursing, then he may just be done. If you give him bottles more often, exspecially after he refuses the breast, he will get used to the idea that he wants the bottle instead. If you can avoid giving him bottles during this fase, then I would. You will just have to be patient. It will get better.

It could be nipple confusion, but really if you think about it the "payback" of the bottle is more food faster than the breast. I wouldn't worry about lack of bonding..It's the amount of time you are spending comforting the baby that counts, being next to your body and warmth, hearing and smelling you....You could pump so as to keep with the breast milk for the baby, lots of women do this, even some with twins and working out side the home....Hang in there and keep on loving the babe, and good luck, and many blessings...

Maybe it is easier for your baby to suck from the bottle..it is not as much work for him to get the milk out as it is with your breast. Also, bottles give milk in even amounts and maybe he is used to that too. He might be so used to getting his milk from the feel of the a bottle nipple too, that your breast isn't quite the same to him. Really, it seems like your best option is to just not force the issue with him and cause yourself and him stress. You are giving him your breastmilk and that is most important and he is taking it just fine with a bottle. I wouldn't stress about the breast thing. Let it go. Enjoy feeding him with the bottle and give him lots of hugs and attention outside of the feeding time. Since you work and can't be there to breastfeed as often as it might take for him to get back into it, I would just let it go.

I am going to respond to this, because it is so important. Please don't give up!! I have had 4 children. They have all breastfed. The first three were all fine...although there seems to always be little problems to work out. (Please call your nearest Le Leche League or nurses from the hospital or other breast feeding groups for help if you need more ideas!) Our fourth was born three weeks early. Her lungs were not developed, and she was in the N.I.C.U for 10 days, then home on oxygen for about 2 weeks. During that time, I tried to nurse her as much as I could. I also pumped a lot, and had lots of milk on hand for the nurses to give her if needed. But, my request was that I nursed her. she actually didn't do too well with it. I finally brought her home, and I was very frustrated. My Mom gave me some great advise that a friend of hers gave her who had 10 children, who all breast fed. She said, "Go to bed with your Baby." Meaning, put everything else on hold. Let your husband take over things at home and just focus on nursing that sweet baby! It is soooooo worth it. Don't give her a bottle. Just nurse her(sorry if him?) and completely focus on her. To be honest, the real problem may be that you are trying to go back to work. Maybe you should decide what you really want? Can your husband take over the financial side of things, and let you stay home with your baby?
My 4th baby did learn how to nurse with lots of patience. She turned out to be my longest nursing baby, and is very healthy, good natured, and a great napper! I really believe that breast is best, if you can just make it a priority.
Best of Luck!!

Hi A.!
I would like to add a little bit to the great responses you have so far. I agree that maybe you should try nursing him more often, he may be getting frustrated because while breastfeeding, he has to wait for your milk to let down, but with the bottle, it's ready to go. It sounds like he may be a little confused, I would not use the bottle for a while, perhaps you could spoon or cup feed him milk until he has learned that a bottle isn't necessarily coming in a few minutes. Either way, follow your heart- if you aren't ready for your breastfeeding relationship to be over, then keep working at it! It may be a little work, but it is so worth it. It might also help you and your let-down reflex to set the mood. Before he is showing signs of hunger, get a snack and a glass of water, put on some relaxing music and spend a few minutes talking with your baby. Then try and nurse him. If he doesn't nurse, that's okay because you are still bonding with your baby and you can keep trying.
Do you have girlfriends that are also nursing right now? I would encourage you to give them a call when you are needing some encouragement. Having a cheerleader (or two) cheering you on can make all the difference. (If not, I'll volunteer for the position!)
Good Luck, and whatever way this works out, you can have the confidence in knowing that you are doing what you can to meet your baby's needs.
H.
www.naturalchoices4baby.com

Try using the Playtex Air vent bottles with a newborn sized nipple (#1?). They don't let the milk flow as quickly as other types of bottles so the baby has to work as hard as if he was nursing. I had a tough time producing milk, and my baby had to be bottle supplemented right from the start. At first we used the hospital supplied bottles, which let the milk flow much faster than my air vents. She had a rather cross look on her face as she struggled to pull the milk out of the air vent bottle system once we got home, but it allowed me to keep nursing without her giving up on me. We nursed for about 18 months. I didn't read all responses, but making sure your milk is down before nursing sounds like a great idea, too. Keep pumping, too, cuz as he gets bigger, his jaw will get stronger, and maybe he'll take back to nursing again if you can't find any other solution. Good luck!

I have a 5 month old and at the beginning (first 2 weeks) I had a hard time with him latching on. I had to use the bottle a little at first and then used a nipple shield to get him to latch back on. The nipple shield is like a bottle nipple and so it helped with the transition. Also my doctors told me that sucking on the bottle and sucking on the breast are two different suctions. If your baby is used to the bottle and it is less work (which it is) he will want that more than the boob. I would suggest not giving him the bottle until you absolutely have to.
If you want him to breast-feed and he won't I would get a nipple shield. You can find them at target. it is great if you really want that bond time. I was devastated at the thought of not breast-feeding but when I got the nipple shield it was easy to get him to latch back on. Good luck.

I can understand your sadness at the struggle with breast feeding and being worried about not having the same bonding with bottle feeding. I also had to stuggle with that.

My son was in the NICU for 6 weeks, and therefore was first tube fed, and then only bottle fed. We did use breastmilk, but he was not "introduced" to the breast until he came home. I worked hard at being able to breast feed, and although he latched on really well, it just isn't the best for my son. He has reflux and the positioning of breast feeding really adds to that. With the bottle he can be positioned more upright and then it makes it much more comfortable for him.

When your son is breast feeding does he pull away, or arch his back? If he does, he may be uncomfortable. May not be it, but just something to look at. When you bottle feed him you may be holding him upright more, and that is why he is more comfortable. It could also be that for some reason when he is breast feeding he is not getting the milk fast enough and he is getting angry, and likes the flow of the bottle better.

Don't feel like a failure because breast feeding is not going as you had hoped or feel that you still can't bond really well with your son. I had to get over my own pride and decide not to breastfeed because it was better for my son not to. Now we enjoy feedings because it is not stressful for either of us. I can hold him and give him the bottle and make eye contact with him, talk to him and sing to him while he is eating. I think that is pretty special and a great bonding time.

Good luck to you! You are a great mom either way!

I have had a similar experience with my first. The hospital wouldn't let me go home until they had seen him take 30ml from a bottle. Well once we got home he WOULD NOT NURSE. Finally I had to just refuse to give him a bottle. When he got hungry enough he took. It took awhile, and was quite frustrating for both of us. But it worked. So for your case I would suggest not giving him the bottle, until he takes the breast well every time. Chances are when he's got that down, and nurses well and you decide to reintroduce the bottle, he will take that just fine too. Good luck.

It sounds like maybe your supply could be slowing. It's important to make sure that you are pumping at least as much as he is taking in a bottle. Your body knows how much milk to make based on how much he nurses. He's probably going through his six week growth spurt, which means he's probably wanting and needing a lot more to eat and getting frustrated when it doesn't come fast enough. Be sure you're getting plenty of fluids and rest to help your supply. Also be sure that you are using slow flow bottle nipples, so he has to work more at it. Finally, be sure to relax and really enjoy your time nursing. Try taking a warm bath with your baby and nursing him there. I notice a huge difference in my supply and flow when I am stressed versus relaxed, and if you're stressing each time you nurse him, this could be part of the problem. Good resources: Dr. Sear's the Baby Book, askdoctorsears.com, La Leche League and lactation nurses through your doctor. Good Luck. Sometimes things ebb and flow with the nursing; you'll get through it if your patient and keep trying.

Hi A. B.
Stay with it because it is so rewarding. I went through this when I had twins. They wouldn't nurse very well. I was about ready to give up but I read a book on breastfeeding. Anyway, I was told that if you give them a bottle they will prefer it because it is easier and they don't have to work so hard to get the milk. I let them go alittle longer between feedings. When they get hungry they'll eat. The thing that I did wrong at first was not expressing milk and the result of that was engorgement, which really hurts. Thats too much milk in your breasts. ouch! Let your baby go longer. Do give him a bottle no matter what. Stick to your guns!! It's funny because this new little one has so much control over our hearts. We don't realize that it's not being mean to have them go alittle longer between feedings. It just lets them get good and hungry. He might cry but don't cave in. I was told that as long as I gave them a bottle they wouldn't nurse and it was so true. It was hard to make them wait but I want you to know that it was absolutely one of my most wonderful experiences. The bonding is something that is so worth-while. You can do it. Have your husband help. He can just take over if your baby fusses and it starts getting to you. Go for a little walk. But be strong. It's so much better for your baby. Good luck!!

Hi A.,
I would suggest you call and talk to someone from the LaLeche League they will be able to give you all kinds of help and advice. Here is their website http://www.llli.org/WebUS.html

One thing to know is that it is much easier for a baby to eat from a bottle... your breast is a little more work for him. So if he gets use to the easy or is really tired... the bottle may be his preference... if you stop offering it as an option for a little while he will have no choice and get his needs met from you. My thought is that since you are going back to work- figure out which feedings you will absolutly be there for and make those right now a breast only feeding. I hope you find the answers you are looking for. Good luck!

Do not give up. As I am sure you know, the bottle is much easier to nurse than a breast. Your little one has to work less when he takes the bottle, so of course he will want the bottle much more readily. The fact that he will still nurse even for 5-7 minutes is a good sign. He is not ready to give you up. I would continue to nurse even with the smaller feeding time. He will get what he needs. He may just be passing a growth spurt and may not need as much. If you are still letting down it is a good sign that he is getting enough.

I am the mother of 3. I have breast fed all of my children to a year and beyond. My first two are girls. Only a few weeks into their lives they both decreased quite a bit in their total feeding time. In fact my first child would not go more than 2/12 to 3 minutes on each side. If I did not time it to the minute, she would not take me on the other side. If she went over 3 minutes she would refuse. My second was not much different she was not quite as stubborn, but she only took me for about 3 1/2 on each side. Because of this I let down quite early into the feedings. My 3rd is a boy and he averaged about 15 minutes per feeding. So as you can see my kids as a whole just did not require long feedings. They are all very healthy kids, and all of them enjoyed their small moments with Mom.

Children are very good at knowing their limits, esp when it comes to food. Trust your little one to know what he needs. If he is still hungry after his feeding than maybe he enjoys the laziness of a bottle. I would hold out though. Keep him to your breast. That bonding time can't be replaced. Don't reward him with the bottle when he is finished with you. If he wants 5-7 minutes keep it to that he will learn to get what he needs from you do not worry about starving him. He is fine. He may be getting just as much as he gets with his bottle. A pump works quite differently than a baby. In the same amount of time I do not think it can express near as much as little one.

Good Luck, Don't give up!
P.S. Those first few weeks are tough. My second had a hard time latching on for months, but she finally got the hang of it. Don't give up.

Sounds like your lo is going through the dreaded 6 wk growth spurt. My daughter now 5 months did the same. I would offer the breast first, then as a last resort pump and bottle feed. It could be he is wanting a faster let down, (like the bottle) Try massaging or pumping for a minute and then latching him on. This is probably a phase and he will get over it. My 5 year old did the same thing. It is very frustrating and sometimes it seems like there is no end in sight, but it does get better. Breastfeeding is not a walk in the park it takes hard work and a firm stance.

I didn't give in and give the bottle when she would fuss, I just went from one side to the other, and after a few minutes she would calm down and nurse. Is it possible he is over-tired and that could be causing it, or extremely hungry? This too can cause fussiness. Try feeding at the first signs of hunger and maybe that will help. You are almost to the home stretch where bfing becomes easier. There are always times that are trying when bfing, but you can do it.

Good Luck A.

My first little one weened himself at about 6-8 weeks and I couldn't do anything about it... As he weened himself I dried up. We were in the same situation, a little early , jaundice Under lights for a week...
However I breast feed my second until he was 8 months and I got really sick... The bond was fine with the first, he new he still needed me and now at four is actually more bonded to me then the second. I have a mommas boy all the way and a daddies boy all the way... With the second he actually refused the bottle even when I was so sick. I just kept trying because it devestated me to hear him cry, He just wanted that bonding time.

There will be plenty of opportunity to bond with the little one, even if he won't breast feed anymore.

Maybe try different nursing positions other than the one he usually is in when given a bottle. Lying down side by side helped my baby to latch on when I was having difficulty trying to nurse my baby. Here's a link to see some examples - http://www.kidshealth.org/parent/pregnancy_newborn/feedin...

My son did the exact same thing, However he went through phases. At one time he prefered the bottle over my breast. Then he prefereed the breast over the bottle. Then the bottle then the breast. At first when he would not latch on to the breast I was about readdy to give up. But I kept pumping and in the morning, during my lucnch and after I got home from work, the first thing I would do is try and nurse. Eventually he latched on and would nurse. I think however it is hard at first because I was doing both.

The bottle is much easier to get the milk from and some babies are just wanting to have it easy. You have to decide what you want to do . If you want to breast feed him until you go back to work then just breast feed him, no bottle. Might be hard at first but when he gets hungry enough he will nurse. If you don't want the fight maybe it is time for you to stop. It really is in your hands. The more supplements they have the less they need you. Are you ready to be done? There is fun in bottle feeding too. Good Luck

Breastfeeding can be a challenge sometimes, I highly recommend you find a local lactation consultant for expert advice. I had a similar experience with my baby who wasn't willing to go back and forth between bottles and breast. I had some other issues that an LC could have helped with, and I think one could help you too.
One thing I'd try is nursing him when he is just waking up, he might take the breast with no complaint.
For me it would be a big enough deal that I would drop the bottles for while, but it is certainly your decision.

Bottle is so much easier (for baby to suck) than breast. You have to be really careful or they will decide the bottle is just easier. The other thing is make sure that you are REALLY well hydrated. I had a similiar problem with my 2nd (I have 6). She would suck for a few minutes, and then get mad and upset. It took me a really, really, long time to figure out that I wasn't producing enough milk. It only happened at bedtime, so I thought she was experiencing colic, but it turned out it was my milk supply. Drink plenty!! and get some rest! Your body is still recovering from the birth and so a lot of energy is going to that. Make sure that you still have the energy to produce the milk.
Good luck and many blessings to you and yours :)
B.

I know with both of my kids they were efficient enough to get everything within 10 minutes by the time they were 6 months old. The crying could also be from something else. Maybe he's going through a growth spurt and even though he's done he's still hungry. Maybe he's teething and while he's getting lots of milk him mind is elsewhere and then when it starts to slow down he starts thinking about the pain again.

It's not unusual for babies to go through a not sure about the breast phase at some point. Especially if he's getting bottles as well. But good for you for pumping to give him breast milk in those bottles! (Pumping never worked for me so I wasn't able to do that.) I'd suggest you keep trying to offer him the breast for a while longer. Both of mine went through this kind of thing occasionally and they went on to nurse for 12 months and 18 months.

Good luck and try to stay calm and loving. I know that's hard right now, but frustration and stress can make your letdown slower. That's what it always did to me. :-) Good luck!

Hi A.!
I am sorry to hear that you are having this hardship with your new baby. Breast Feeding is the "defining Mother-Child bonding" period. Dont get me wrong, you sound like you both are bonding naturally, but this time in both of your lives is extremely important. Do not let this be the only bonding for you both. There are many way to bond with your baby, not just breast feeding. Babying your baby is a great one! Anyways, hearing your story strikes two possibilities for me.
One: Because your milk did not come in as fast, your baby was getting used to the free flowing nipple on the bottle. He has to work less to get the milk.
Two: Nipple Confusion. Your baby recognizes the bottle nipple instead of the breast nipple. This is totaly normal. For babies that breast feed, and transfer to bottles, they tend to reject that nipple. In your case, it is reversed. This is not your fault. You had no control in the time it took for your breast milk to come in.
The way I see it is, you have two options:
One: You can pump and have your baby have the breast milk that way. Because lets face it, breast milk is better than no breast milk. Plus if this is your only option, you can bond with baby in other ways. For example, bath time. Bathe with your baby, let him feel you washing him and helping him float. After the soothing water, rub lotion on his body, giving him a baby massage. Then rock him to sleep by rubbing his face, eyes, lips and nose. An absolute knocker outer!
Two: This will be a job for both you and your husband, until baby learns how to suck harder. When you breast feed, get a sirenge and fill it with freash breast milk. While you place the baby on your nipple, have your husband place the sirenge next to your nipple. Slowly, while he is sucking, your husband can push the milk into his mouth. Babies then tend to suck harder when they feel a steady flow. Now this may take a week or longer for the baby to realize that he can suck from the breast, and for you and your breasts to get used to the milk flow.
Again... do not worry about the bonding if he turns out to not except your nipple. The baby has already bonded with you, he loved you from the moment you held him in your arms. Bonding time is for the mother. Think of activities that will tie you to him, extra love is the key! You sound like a wonderful mother who love her child very much. Your son is very lucky to have a caring and selfless mother like you. Good luck and I hope all goes well.

Hello A.-
Same exact thing happened with my first baby when I was planning on going back to work. I called my mom sobbing and the advise she gave me was to stop giving her the bottle until she nursed. The bottle is much easier for them because the don't have to work as hard to get the milk.
Don't worry your baby will not starve! He'll figure it out quickly when he gets hungry enough.
If you do choose just to pump and bottle feed from here on out, that doesn't make you a bad mom either! I think you can bond with a bottle just as well!!! I wish my other kids would have taken a bottle as well as my first did.
Good luck-
Missy

I would definatley call a lactation specialist if you really want him to nurse. Bottles are easier for babies, they have to work harder on the breast. And they are smart, they know the difference. I had the same thing happen to my baby when I got really sick and had to pump and dump while he took a bottle. He was not interested anymore, and you really have to get some help to get you back on track. At least that is how it happened for us. Good luck with everything. Nursing is tricky! But so is pumping all day and all night. I did that too. :)

You need to decide whether you want to continue breast feeding. If you do than you need to stop the bottle until he knows that food comes from the breast. Than you can reintroduce the bottle. It sounds like he has nipple confusion. I nursed 3 of my 4 kids just fine. But my last one was in the NICU for 3 weeks than home for 2 and back in the hospital for another 10 days. They wouldn't let me nurse in the NICU, so he got breast milk in a bottle. I tried very hard for the two weeks to get him to switch, to no avail. During his 10 days, I stood my ground and refused to give him a bottle. On the 9th day, I finally gave him a bottle because he only drank twice from the breast. We went home the next day with a bottle. I continued to try. This was an extreme emotional roller coaster for me. He finally nursed exclusively for 3 days. Then he quit nursing. He wouldn't even open his mouth. At that point, I realized he wasn't sucking hard enough to get anything. So he went back to the bottle, I continue to this day (he is almost 1) to pump and feed him. It was very hard, but once I made the decision, It was a huge weight off my shoulders. I still cuddle while he drinks from his bottle. And you know, he will only take the bottle from me. He is also a huge momma's boy. I do not feel any less attached to him as I did with my other kids because I'm not nursing either. But after a 3 month roller coaster, I have found peace with what I do.

So off my book! You need to make the decision, but know that he already knows what he wants. He feels your stress and it confuses him more. If you can't change his mind, than find happiness in what you do get. He is healthy, beautiful, and all yours!!!! Enjoy him, he is only tiny for so long. And the time passes so fast.

Good luck!

Don't give up yet! I think that you should keep offering to feed from the breast. And talk to a lactation consultant. Most hospitals have them in the L&D or 'postnatal' care, and they often give advice free. A lot of things with babies take some time and consistency. I know it's frustrating, but if you want to keep breastfeeding, you should hold that goal in front of you , knowing that it might take some time!