I am breastfeeding my 7 month old son and all has been going well up to now. For the past week or so, however, he has not been that interested in my milk. He only feeds for a few minutes on each side with me and my daycare provider says he is not drinking but a few ounces of each bottle during the day. He is sprouting his first tooth, so I am sure that has something to do with it. But, I am concerned that he is not getting enough milk and that my milk supply will slow. I pump after his first feeding to try to empty the overnight buildup and then I pump three times a day at the office, but I have notice over the last few days that I am getting less with each pumping.
Is he telling me that his reliance on milk is less now that he is getting cereal, veggies and fruit or is this just a teething thing that will pass when he gets used to the tooth? thanks for any input.
Their poor little mouths are so sore, sucking makes it worse. Completely normal for nursing/feeding to slack off during teething. Keep up with your usual schedule of pumping and you should have plenty when he starts up again. It takes several days to change milk supply, he'll be back to normal and adjust your supply again if need be.
It is completely normal for them to not eat while teething. My 1st son did that and I was so worried because he wasn't eating ANYTHING, not even a few ounces. But once he got his tooth in, he sure made up for it. just keep pumping.
My boys have both gone through stages. Teething - not wanting to eat, growing - eating nonstop! Just remember, when you dont feel well you arent that hungry right? They know when they need to eat. Just make sure that he's having plenty of wet and dirty diapers! You're doing great!
It helps to put a picture of your baby on your pump so you can see him and think of him while you are pumping. This helped me get more milk. Fenugreek also helped me to increase my milk supply. La Leche is wonderful you should call them today!
Good luck, hang in there and don't give up.
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try using teething tablets. They are great fro teething pain and it might help him get his appetite back. They sell the at walmart by the vitamins they are made by Hylands.
