Christina, have you tried getting him to latch with a nipple shield? That really turned things around with August. I was definately hesitant to try it at first, but I'm sure glad I did!

Duh, I will try that tomorrow ... lately he has cried even when I lift my shirt! It's making me really sad!

try finger feeding him with the lact-aid. Do your best to NOT use a bottle at all. If he sees it he will want it. Its become to familiar to him. I would finger feed only and cup feed. I know thats hard to do. But its important to get him away from that bottle. You also might try when he is sleepy. I know you said he won't latch. But if you squeeze milk out on his lips he might take it. See if that works. Also if your a SAHM. Try going around without your shirt. Play with him and let him explore you. Hes going to have to get used to it all again. Its not over!

Thanks Nona and Amy ... well ... tried the nipple shield and I've never seen him cry so hard ... it made me feel bad ... like I'm forcing something on him that he doesn't want. I've also tried finger feeding and he refused my finger quite a few times and cried just as much. As for going around topless, we have so many activities that we are doing that it is hard to do that right now ... perhaps that is the reason for the strike ... we are always one the go... it has been hard for me to sit home because he gets so restless ... and in the begining .. these activities were a big part of my nursing support ... ie. I saw a correlation of his latching and going to these activities. Anyway, I will keep trying with the finger feeding, nipple shield and go topless when possible ... maybe right now before I put him down.

Thanks again!

XOXO
C

Hi Christina,

Have you arranged for a home visit by an IBCLC? You can find one near you here: www.iblce.org Just click on the "About IBLCE" button and the US registry pops up.

The IBCLC can help you with strategies to get your little one back to the breast. I had the same problem with Ethan a few months back but with the help of my fellow LC's we got him going again. It's a pretty common thing. Sometimes getting into the bath with your baby can help to get them on the right track. Lots of skin to skin is very important.

Fondly,

Thanks, Lenore. I have been going to weekly breastfeeding class that my IBLC offers, and she tells me that she does not think another session will help. Perhaps I should find another? Yikes. I have been bathing with him ... always have. I will try sleeping with my shirt off again ... burr.

Thanks so much ... I'm sticking to my guns .. I am getting a kick out of how some people around me think I should give up already! Oi! Gonna go pump.

Hi Christina,

Please find another IBCLC who knows what she's doing. It's very unusual for an IBCLC to just give up like that. Also, please avoid the Playtex nursers. They have short stubby nipples that are more similar looking to the breast at rest. In reality your breast tissue elongates in baby's mouth to form a teat. Those Playtex nipples are far too short...fastest way off the breast. The AVENT nipples have a wide base and long nipple which makes it easier to get baby from bottle to breast.

Did you try the Medela Newborn Small Nipple Shield?

Fondly,

Playtex has redesigned the nipple on their nursers. They're now called "Naturalatch". I remember the ones you're talking about, Lenore. My poor son tried and tried and tried and never could get a hold of that thing. That was years ago before I knew of abf!

Jill