Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You need to wait until he's hungry and have dad give him the bottle. Make it a high-flow nipple and just keep sticking it in his mouth. He'll take it. My DS spit out the pacifier repeatedly at 3 weeks but I was determined to make him take it, so I just held it in there. I don't mean you traumatize the baby, but you just keep on trying.

OP here. I will try to high flow. We have I think a newborn or slow flow nipple. We have 3 different brand bottles and he won’t take any of them. We have tried various milk temps, formula, and him being really hungry. He still refused and screamed. He is not a big fan of the syringe but he is used to it now. We feed every 1-2 hours because that’s when he wants to eat. He will take 1 ounce every hour or 2 ounces every two hours. We let him decide and he does turn his head and spit it out even he doesn’t want it. We don’t just feed him to feed him. We don’t go more than two hours between feedings but he always lets us know when he is hungry and he always wants to eat every 1-2 hours. The odd thing is he hates the nipple shield and won’t take a bottle but he will take a pacifier.

He's lazy and likes the syringe, it's easier for him!

What do you suggest she does? If she stops syringe feeding that means he gets no milk.

Talk to the pediatrician about how to safely force the transition to bottles.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You need to wait until he's hungry and have dad give him the bottle. Make it a high-flow nipple and just keep sticking it in his mouth. He'll take it. My DS spit out the pacifier repeatedly at 3 weeks but I was determined to make him take it, so I just held it in there. I don't mean you traumatize the baby, but you just keep on trying.

OP here. I will try to high flow. We have I think a newborn or slow flow nipple. We have 3 different brand bottles and he won’t take any of them. We have tried various milk temps, formula, and him being really hungry. He still refused and screamed. He is not a big fan of the syringe but he is used to it now. We feed every 1-2 hours because that’s when he wants to eat. He will take 1 ounce every hour or 2 ounces every two hours. We let him decide and he does turn his head and spit it out even he doesn’t want it. We don’t just feed him to feed him. We don’t go more than two hours between feedings but he always lets us know when he is hungry and he always wants to eat every 1-2 hours. The odd thing is he hates the nipple shield and won’t take a bottle but he will take a pacifier.

He's lazy and likes the syringe, it's easier for him!

What do you suggest she does? If she stops syringe feeding that means he gets no milk.

He will eventually take the bottle.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You need to wait until he's hungry and have dad give him the bottle. Make it a high-flow nipple and just keep sticking it in his mouth. He'll take it. My DS spit out the pacifier repeatedly at 3 weeks but I was determined to make him take it, so I just held it in there. I don't mean you traumatize the baby, but you just keep on trying.

OP here. I will try to high flow. We have I think a newborn or slow flow nipple. We have 3 different brand bottles and he won’t take any of them. We have tried various milk temps, formula, and him being really hungry. He still refused and screamed. He is not a big fan of the syringe but he is used to it now. We feed every 1-2 hours because that’s when he wants to eat. He will take 1 ounce every hour or 2 ounces every two hours. We let him decide and he does turn his head and spit it out even he doesn’t want it. We don’t just feed him to feed him. We don’t go more than two hours between feedings but he always lets us know when he is hungry and he always wants to eat every 1-2 hours. The odd thing is he hates the nipple shield and won’t take a bottle but he will take a pacifier.

What bottles are you using? Maybe try other brands?

We have tried a Medela bottle, Dr.Browns, and Avent.

The Comotomo or Nanobebe. They are silicone and more breast milk. My baby hated the long nipples and would gag on the Dr.Browns bottles. He preferred Comoto which has a shorter nipple and is more breast like.

OP here. I will order some.

My breastfed, tongue tied kid only liked the super cheap leaky latex nipples. Might try those too. For her it was not about shape of nipple nut was about sensation of silicone.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Have you tried a supplemental nursing system? I used this to allow me/my baby to learn to nurse (got easier as he got a bit bigger) without giving him a bottle. It's a pain to set up at first but it gives your baby nutrients while he figures the nursing thing out.

OP here. We ordered one and it should come in next week.

NP/DP, but if you have an IBCLC, they can set you you with a paediatric NG tube to get you started. It will work fine in a pinch, which it sounds like you’re in.

Has your baby been assessed for tongue and lip ties?

OP here. I would rather syringe feed since his weight is fine than go feeding tube route. That’s more of a last choice if his weight is an issue.

He has been looked at for both and the lactation consultant said he didn’t have it. Same with the pediatrician.

The lactation consultant said she is at a loss of what to do because most babies will at least use a nipple shield while learning to latch or take a bottle. She told us to keep trying and offering all options until he gets older and takes it.

I’m not suggesting using it as a feeding tube - it’s used like an SNS, it’s just easier and more widely available then the actual SNS system as most medical places have NG tubes. You put one end in a bottle with formula or pumped milk, and one at your nipple, so baby gets fluid from both when he sucks. It can help stimulate him to suck deeper and longer at breast as he is getting “results”, and also can help protect your supply.

Op I am the pp who recommended susan. I'm sorry but any LC who has a baby who will only syringe feed and is just telling you to "keep trying" is not doing enough for you. You need someone who will figure out the ROOT of the issue. As I said before, LCs and pediatricians miss structural issues in teh mouth ALL THE TIME. I truly can't tell you how many times I've seen it, both with my own son and with friends. Feeding with a syringe is not a long term solution. You are doing amazing making this work AND you deserve professionals in your corner who will figure this out with you and not tell you to keep trying the same things that aren't working. This is exactly what people did with my first. "keep trying it will get better" no- it did not get better! He had a structural issue that was missed.

+1

Also, OP, not all LCs are the same. Seek out specifically an IBCLC, even if you have to go online. Some LCs only have the tool set to support “normal” breastfeeding. A nipple shield does not solve everything, and can actually be a problem/set back for some issues.

I’m even more concerned that you’re saying certain bottles “fall out” of your infants mouth. This really sounds like something structural with his mouth to me, and he needs to be assessed by an oral / maxillofacial specialist.

You are doing an awesome job, so please don’t stop trying and doing such a great job with syringe feeding, which is a lot of hard work on you!

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Have you tried a supplemental nursing system? I used this to allow me/my baby to learn to nurse (got easier as he got a bit bigger) without giving him a bottle. It's a pain to set up at first but it gives your baby nutrients while he figures the nursing thing out.

OP here. We ordered one and it should come in next week.

NP/DP, but if you have an IBCLC, they can set you you with a paediatric NG tube to get you started. It will work fine in a pinch, which it sounds like you’re in.

Has your baby been assessed for tongue and lip ties?

OP here. I would rather syringe feed since his weight is fine than go feeding tube route. That’s more of a last choice if his weight is an issue.

He has been looked at for both and the lactation consultant said he didn’t have it. Same with the pediatrician.

The lactation consultant said she is at a loss of what to do because most babies will at least use a nipple shield while learning to latch or take a bottle. She told us to keep trying and offering all options until he gets older and takes it.

I’m not suggesting using it as a feeding tube - it’s used like an SNS, it’s just easier and more widely available then the actual SNS system as most medical places have NG tubes. You put one end in a bottle with formula or pumped milk, and one at your nipple, so baby gets fluid from both when he sucks. It can help stimulate him to suck deeper and longer at breast as he is getting “results”, and also can help protect your supply.

Op I am the pp who recommended susan. I'm sorry but any LC who has a baby who will only syringe feed and is just telling you to "keep trying" is not doing enough for you. You need someone who will figure out the ROOT of the issue. As I said before, LCs and pediatricians miss structural issues in teh mouth ALL THE TIME. I truly can't tell you how many times I've seen it, both with my own son and with friends. Feeding with a syringe is not a long term solution. You are doing amazing making this work AND you deserve professionals in your corner who will figure this out with you and not tell you to keep trying the same things that aren't working. This is exactly what people did with my first. "keep trying it will get better" no- it did not get better! He had a structural issue that was missed.

Anonymous wrote:It really may be an issue with his tongue/mouth. I had the same problem with my DC. Would not latch and I finally gave up and went to formula. But bottle feeding was also challenging since they couldn't seem to drink the bottle without half of it streaming it down their neck. Fast forward 10 years and DC had a slight speech impediment so we went to a therapist. Turns out it was all connected to muscle weakness in their mouth. All is well now, but I beat myself up so much during those early days and blamed myself. Be kind to yourself. You will get through this.

+1 I really would see someone who is an expert in tongue ties and potential issues there. Not all lactation consultants are. I saw THREE that didn't find my son's lip and tongue tie (he had a posterior tie that was hard to see), after so many issues months later an ENT was like oh he has an OBVIOUS lip tie. See a lactation consultant who has specific training in tongue and lip ties. something about sucking isn't working for him so there is very likely something going on in his mouth.

I already recommended Susan Howard - arlington lactation, but just mentioning again. She is an expert in tongue ties. If she's not available quickly enough she will recommend people are also well trained. She has a nice assistant who is very helpful if you email. You could also see a pediatric dentist, though I think they prefer an LC has diagnosed it before hand. We saw Dr. Lupita Roca in falls church https://www.arlingtonsmilecenter.com/
People also recommend Dr. Jaju https://www.smilewonders.com/

It sounds like you are an amazing mom doing everything you can, get some new professionals in your corner that will help you really get to the root of the issue. Saying to keep going like this is not reasonable

OP - does your baby suckle on anything? Their hand/finger, a pacifier, anything at all?

I am just wildly impressed that the baby is gaining weight with syringe feeds - you are clearly working SO HARD.

If the baby is not sucking on anything I am, like other posters said, concerned about a tongue tie or some other structural mouth issue that has not been caught yet.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Have you tried a supplemental nursing system? I used this to allow me/my baby to learn to nurse (got easier as he got a bit bigger) without giving him a bottle. It's a pain to set up at first but it gives your baby nutrients while he figures the nursing thing out.

OP here. We ordered one and it should come in next week.

NP/DP, but if you have an IBCLC, they can set you you with a paediatric NG tube to get you started. It will work fine in a pinch, which it sounds like you’re in.

Has your baby been assessed for tongue and lip ties?

OP here. I would rather syringe feed since his weight is fine than go feeding tube route. That’s more of a last choice if his weight is an issue.

He has been looked at for both and the lactation consultant said he didn’t have it. Same with the pediatrician.

The lactation consultant said she is at a loss of what to do because most babies will at least use a nipple shield while learning to latch or take a bottle. She told us to keep trying and offering all options until he gets older and takes it.

I’m not suggesting using it as a feeding tube - it’s used like an SNS, it’s just easier and more widely available then the actual SNS system as most medical places have NG tubes. You put one end in a bottle with formula or pumped milk, and one at your nipple, so baby gets fluid from both when he sucks. It can help stimulate him to suck deeper and longer at breast as he is getting “results”, and also can help protect your supply.

Anonymous wrote:Are you offering the breast often with/without the nipple shield or just the syringe? Is your milk good or does it taste or smell funny? Is it warm enough? I had latch issues because of flat nipples and working at it all day for a month helped. We had to use a syringe and bottle. He also did not like the nipple shield and refused it. He rejected the bottle at first at first until we realized he likes his milk very warm. He started latching and getting milk out well at 1 month. I would keep trying and give it more time.

OP here. I offer the breast at every feed or every other feed. I will sometimes start with the breast and let him eat what he can and other times I will feed him 1 ounce first and then put him on the breast. He does not like the nipple shield. I do try for some do the feeds but he will pull away and cry. I take it off and he will take the breast. I will let him comfort nurse or just practice sucking on the breast in between syringe feeding him.

The milk is fine. He takes in from the breast when he does eat and take it from the syringe. It does not smell bad. I have never tasted it. I have tried cold, room temp, body temp, warm, and very warm. He has refused all of it. He takes the milk from the syringe at room temp or body temp or slightly warmed when it’s from the fridge. I will keep trying the breast, using the nipple shield, and the bottle.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You need to wait until he's hungry and have dad give him the bottle. Make it a high-flow nipple and just keep sticking it in his mouth. He'll take it. My DS spit out the pacifier repeatedly at 3 weeks but I was determined to make him take it, so I just held it in there. I don't mean you traumatize the baby, but you just keep on trying.

OP here. I will try to high flow. We have I think a newborn or slow flow nipple. We have 3 different brand bottles and he won’t take any of them. We have tried various milk temps, formula, and him being really hungry. He still refused and screamed. He is not a big fan of the syringe but he is used to it now. We feed every 1-2 hours because that’s when he wants to eat. He will take 1 ounce every hour or 2 ounces every two hours. We let him decide and he does turn his head and spit it out even he doesn’t want it. We don’t just feed him to feed him. We don’t go more than two hours between feedings but he always lets us know when he is hungry and he always wants to eat every 1-2 hours. The odd thing is he hates the nipple shield and won’t take a bottle but he will take a pacifier.

What bottles are you using? Maybe try other brands?

We have tried a Medela bottle, Dr.Browns, and Avent.

The Comotomo or Nanobebe. They are silicone and more breast milk. My baby hated the long nipples and would gag on the Dr.Browns bottles. He preferred Comoto which has a shorter nipple and is more breast like.

OP here. I will order some.

I didn't have exactly this problem since my son did take a bottle, but it took about 4 weeks before he decided to latch to the breast. I had almost given up but I made sure to try several times a day. Sometimes, I think they just need to mature and grow a little bit before they get the hang of it.

To those who are suggesting formula: Have you seen the news lately?

Normally, I'd agree that if breastfeeding is not getting anywhere, then supplementing with formula is worth a try. However, with the formula supply crisis, OP is likely grateful that she is making enough milk.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You need to wait until he's hungry and have dad give him the bottle. Make it a high-flow nipple and just keep sticking it in his mouth. He'll take it. My DS spit out the pacifier repeatedly at 3 weeks but I was determined to make him take it, so I just held it in there. I don't mean you traumatize the baby, but you just keep on trying.

OP here. I will try to high flow. We have I think a newborn or slow flow nipple. We have 3 different brand bottles and he won’t take any of them. We have tried various milk temps, formula, and him being really hungry. He still refused and screamed. He is not a big fan of the syringe but he is used to it now. We feed every 1-2 hours because that’s when he wants to eat. He will take 1 ounce every hour or 2 ounces every two hours. We let him decide and he does turn his head and spit it out even he doesn’t want it. We don’t just feed him to feed him. We don’t go more than two hours between feedings but he always lets us know when he is hungry and he always wants to eat every 1-2 hours. The odd thing is he hates the nipple shield and won’t take a bottle but he will take a pacifier.

He's lazy and likes the syringe, it's easier for him!

What do you suggest she does? If she stops syringe feeding that means he gets no milk.

Are you offering the breast often with/without the nipple shield or just the syringe? Is your milk good or does it taste or smell funny? Is it warm enough? I had latch issues because of flat nipples and working at it all day for a month helped. We had to use a syringe and bottle. He also did not like the nipple shield and refused it. He rejected the bottle at first at first until we realized he likes his milk very warm. He started latching and getting milk out well at 1 month. I would keep trying and give it more time.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You need to wait until he's hungry and have dad give him the bottle. Make it a high-flow nipple and just keep sticking it in his mouth. He'll take it. My DS spit out the pacifier repeatedly at 3 weeks but I was determined to make him take it, so I just held it in there. I don't mean you traumatize the baby, but you just keep on trying.

OP here. I will try to high flow. We have I think a newborn or slow flow nipple. We have 3 different brand bottles and he won’t take any of them. We have tried various milk temps, formula, and him being really hungry. He still refused and screamed. He is not a big fan of the syringe but he is used to it now. We feed every 1-2 hours because that’s when he wants to eat. He will take 1 ounce every hour or 2 ounces every two hours. We let him decide and he does turn his head and spit it out even he doesn’t want it. We don’t just feed him to feed him. We don’t go more than two hours between feedings but he always lets us know when he is hungry and he always wants to eat every 1-2 hours. The odd thing is he hates the nipple shield and won’t take a bottle but he will take a pacifier.

What bottles are you using? Maybe try other brands?

We have tried a Medela bottle, Dr.Browns, and Avent.

The Comotomo or Nanobebe. They are silicone and more breast milk. My baby hated the long nipples and would gag on the Dr.Browns bottles. He preferred Comoto which has a shorter nipple and is more breast like.