My 6 month old nursing LO became super distractable about 1 1/2 months ago. the only way to get him to nurse at that time was to do it right as he was falling asleep and here and there throughout the night. He simply was too interested in looking at the world(and big brother) to do anything as boring as nurse.
BUT, he is still way too distractable to nurse during wake time at 6 months. So I have to wait until nap/bedtime to nurse him (I still try during wake time, but no go). He is so tired at that point that he barely nurses, maybe 5 minutes or so, and then passes out. When I go for getting him to nurse at wake time, he gets mad at me and growls and throws his head over either shoulder to avoid nursing. I know he must be hungry.
For example, this am he nursed once last night at 10:30, once this am at 5, and then got up at 7. But he WOULD NOT nurse at 7. Tried nonchalantly, skin to skin for 20 minutes. He won't nurse until napime around 9. That's 4 hours between nursing. He won't nurse again until second naptime, which is likely another 4 hours from the first nursing.
He will take a pumped bottle in the afternoon though...
Any experience with this mommies? How did you address the issue? Does he just have to grow out of it?
I assume you are not giving solids yet and why are you giving a bottle when breast is all he needs. He will eat when he is hungry. In fact, you are all he needs for about 11 months, not even water or diluted juice is needed. Try feeding on demand and not worry about it. Good Luck!
It's been awhile since I was nursing... my youngest is almost 9 yrs... lol.
But if I remember right, 4 hours between nursing sessions is about right for 6 months old. If he is gaining weight and thriving otherwise, then I don't really see the issue with him going 4 hours in between. If he needs to use a bottle for the late afternoon/early evening feeding, then so be it. That might be a time your husband can feed him (if he's home then). Appreciate that you are getting some sleep at night (from 11-5am) and enjoy life.
:)
I remember the pushing away and looking around period. It was SOOO frustrating. I swaddled, held his hands, etc. Eventually, I got a nursing necklace that seemed to keep his attention on me, and nursed in a quiet room. I don't know how my next will do with a big brother around too, but that is what I did for my first.
If you nursed him at 5 he shouldn't need to eat until 8 or 9. I think you are trying to nurse him too often which will lead to snack feeding. Let him play longer and explore the world more, then nurse him every 4 hours or so as he demands it.
My son just went through this... I honestly think he was experiencing nipple confusion. He would go a while ONLY taking a bottle, then ONLY take the breast... now, he's back on the bottle (except for one nighttime feeding when he nurses)... and we're going with what works for him. I'm still pumping and giving him expressed breastmilk in his bottles, but we're both a LOT happier than when I was trying to force the breast on him. Go with what works with your baby. As long as he's gaining weight and seems happy overall, that's what's important. Best wishes!
Could be a nursing strike. Although my son hasn't gone on strike, I know Mom's who have experienced it. Usually after a week or so, they get back on schedule. But I agree with the other Mom's that 4 hours isn't too long between nursings for a 6 month old. Have you introduced solids yet? Maybe he's trying to let you know that he's ready to try something new!
Yea, been there done that. Six months is a difficult time to nurse because of all the distractions. I have two suggestions. First, try to nurse in the bedroom on the bed lying down on your side, no one in the room, no tv or radios, complete silence. Instruct the sibling, it feeding time and to stay out (have something fun for him to do while you nurse). You will be able to relax, and the baby will have no distractions only you to enjoy. Second, if pumping is easy for you save that liquid gold and give the baby a bottle for feeding time. In time this will all pass. When the next growth spurt starts, that baby will be nursing more. I know its hard, just hang in there, and keep on with the breastfeeding. Good Luck!
At this age he should be starting to stretch out his time between nursing. I really think two hours is too close and 4 hours is probably about right. If he is hungry he will tell you don't just assume he is hungry and try to force him to eat. Follow his lead maybe he's ready to eat less often.
Demand feeding is the way you are doing it thats great and yes baby will change as his needs do try not to worry he wont starve also try a little ceareal like baby rice it may be what he needs to stimulate his hunger good luck
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Demand feeding is the way you are doing it thats great and yes baby will change as his needs do try not to worry he wont starve also try a little ceareal like baby rice it may be what he needs to stimulate his hunger good luck
4 hours is fine and yes, he will become a boob-man again. AT this point he is also able to get a lot of milk quickly (you are a pro now and so is he).You are doing a great job, so keep it up! Be wary of boobie substitutes though, like pacifiers.
:)
