Fussiness while feeding?

[bazi]

Hi all - I’m a STM lurking from Nov 17. DS is three weeks old, and has become increasingly fussy during feedings. He will latch and pop off crying multiple times during each session...only to want to nurse again 30 minutes later. He’s gaining weight and making plenty of diapers, so I think he’s getting enough milk. I’d just like to make nursing a more pleasant experience for both of us.

My pedi immediately went to milk protein allergy and I’m just really hoping it’s something else. Any suggestions are welcome, thank you!

[vvvvvfee]

overactive let-down?

does he do any choking/gagging while nursing? spit up a lot? are certain positions more problematic than others? check out this page at kellymom: kellymom.com/bf/got-milk/supply-worries/fast-letdown/

if that sounds like a possibility, i'd try a laid-back nursing position (see kellymom link) and/or de-latching baby when you get a let-down (let milk flow into towel for a minute) so the flow isn't so forceful.

either that or does he just need more frequent burping? this article goes over more causes of fussiness while nursing: kellymom.com/hot-topics/fussy-while-nursing/

[ssm]

My first instinct is an over active letdown. Mine can be pretty strong, and he will pull off in gasping, gagging because of it. They feel like they're drowning or sprays down the back of their throat, and they can't keep up.

[bazi]

Dec 5, 2017 15:57:48 GMT -6 vvvvvfee said:

overactive let-down?

does he do any choking/gagging while nursing? spit up a lot? are certain positions more problematic than others? check out this page at kellymom: kellymom.com/bf/got-milk/supply-worries/fast-letdown/

if that sounds like a possibility, i'd try a laid-back nursing position (see kellymom link) and/or de-latching baby when you get a let-down (let milk flow into towel for a minute) so the flow isn't so forceful.

either that or does he just need more frequent burping? this article goes over more causes of fussiness while nursing: kellymom.com/hot-topics/fussy-while-nursing/

Thanks! Yes he does spit up a lot and occasionally leaks out milk while eating. I’ll try those positions. He hates to be burped, so I probably need to find a position other than over the shoulder. I made an appt with the LC tomorrow too.

I really hope it’s oversupply...parenting a newborn is hard enough without denying myself cheese. 😢

[officedronette]

Why did your pedi go to MPI?

My first had MSPI and our pedi told us that it's not the sort of condition that hides, so when blood first appeared in our daughter's diaper, to give it a few days as if it was MSPI it would get worse, and if it was just a tear it would not.

The fussiness and the frequent feedings sounds more like potential reflux to me - they're fussy because it hurts, and they also drink a lot because it initially feels better to drink but then fuss because reflux.

[bazi]

Dec 5, 2017 22:14:00 GMT -6 officedronette said:

Why did your pedi go to MPI?

My first had MSPI and our pedi told us that it's not the sort of condition that hides, so when blood first appeared in our daughter's diaper, to give it a few days as if it was MSPI it would get worse, and if it was just a tear it would not.

The fussiness and the frequent feedings sounds more like potential reflux to me - they're fussy because it hurts, and they also drink a lot because it initially feels better to drink but then fuss because reflux.

I’m not sure why the pedi jumped to milk allergy, I think because she thought there was a little mucus in his poop. She wasn’t definitive and I did get a Zantac prescription, which has helped with the spit up and seemed to help with fussiness until this weekend.

[bazi]

vvvvvfee you were right, saw the LC today and she immediately said it was an oversupply issue. I’m trying to get the hang of feeding him and intermittently hand expressing. He is not loving the process so far but at least I have a plan.

[vvvvvfee]

bazi, glad you got a definitive answer from the LC! at least that's a lot easier to deal with than an allergy.