I cannot understand why baby is fussing and refusing to eat

[Anonymous]

Google is failing me. I utilized lactation consultant services when babe was born 6 weeks ago and that helped me breastfeed well.

Suddenly in past few days, at 6 weeks old, baby will sometimes eat normally, and sometimes fuss extensively, often refusing to eat more than 5-10min and often gagging when attempting to latch. Baby is not falling asleep at the breast, that isn’t the issue. Rather is awake and actively protesting against my boob. I will sit for more than an hour trying to get her to feed more. Even if she eventually does, it will be only for another 1-3 minutes and the entire time she is fussing while eating.

What is going on? Is this just general newborn fuss or is there some issue preventing her from a regular feed?

Thank you.

[Anonymous]

Reflux? Silent reflux?

[Anonymous]

I’d definitely talk to the doctor. I’m sorry, that sounds tough! I breastfed so have no agenda when I ask—maybe try a bottle with breast milk and then formula in case that helps?

[Anonymous]

6-8 weeks is about when they wake up from 4th trimester. Probably super distracted by the world. I suggest a quiet room and lower light for a bit.

[Anonymous]

Reflux

[Anonymous]

Six weeks and 12 weeks are hard. Hang in there.

[Anonymous]

I’d check in with the pediatrician

[Anonymous]

Could be an ear infection. My baby stopped wanting to nurse when he had one - and he had no other symptoms. To the pediatrician with ye.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Could be an ear infection. My baby stopped wanting to nurse when he had one - and he had no other symptoms. To the pediatrician with ye.

+1

[Anonymous]

Overactive letdown?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:6-8 weeks is about when they wake up from 4th trimester. Probably super distracted by the world. I suggest a quiet room and lower light for a bit.

This but also check with the ped that nothing else is going on.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Overactive letdown?

This is a possibility

[Anonymous]

OP - is this happening all day, or mostly in the evening? How long has it been going on?

Is he fussy all day, or just when trying to eat? Is he sleeping okay?

[Anonymous]

I’d also check for nasal congestion. My first only did this when he had boogers. Their nasal passages are teeeeny tiny. Also I’d take him to the dr.

[Anonymous]

Op I’m sorry this time can be so tough! I would really recommend that if baby indicates they want to stop, just stop and try again when they indicate hunger again. Don’t try for an hour to get her to feed, just listen to what she’s telling you and it will probably be short lived. And go to dr of course to rule out ear infection etc but some babies really won’t respond well to trying to be forced to eat and will actually eat LESS as a result. So do your best to take a big exhale when she pulls off and let her lead the way for a couple days. Babies can be weird and sometimes they go through phases where they eat less.