Barracuda feeder fussy at breast - why?

[stellybelly]

Hello everyone,

I'm a new first-time mom who is new to the forum.  This is my first post, and I'm hoping some of you have advice.  My 7 1/2 week old has been a great eater from day 1.  Although he's a great little eater, I would definitely describe him as a "barracuda".  He usually just latches right on and feeds in a fast and furious manner (often only 10-12  minutes).  He's been gaining steadily, so I know he's getting enough.

In the past couple of days, however, I'm finding he's a bit fussy during feedings.  He still latches and eats well, but towards the end of the feeding, he appears to still be hungry.  I offer the breast, and he'll kind of play around for a minute making faces and almost exaggerating latching on, but then pushes away.  Then he fusses because he still wants more, and will eventually latch on to feed for a few more minutes.

Has anyone experienced this as well?  Is he really still hungry, or does he just have the need to suckle?  Should I continue to feed or offer his pacifier? 

He's may also be going through a growth spurt right now, b/c at times he's feeding more frequently than every 3 hrs.

Any thoughts you have are welcomed!

Thanks,
Julie

[Erin (redstarfalling)]

Welcome Julie!  Congrats on your lo!

There's usually a growth spurt around 6 weeks, so if he hasn't had it yet, I'd bet that's what's going on. It sounds like it!

Are you single or double side feeding? If single, keep offering that side and use some http://babywhispererforums.com/index.php?topic=88759.0 to help him along.  If double side feeding, offer both sides and both again, using more breast compression. Your supply should adjust fairly quickly to his needs.

10-12 min is a good time for an efficient feeder, particularly if your supply and letdown are good.

HTH!

[stellybelly]

Erin -

Thanks for your reply!  I'll definitely try the compression techniques to see if we can get better milk flow to Patrick.  He's also having a transition in his sleep patterns.  He's been staying asleep for longer stretches at night, so maybe he's trying to eat a bit more during the day to increase his calorie intake. 

I really appreciate your feedback.

Julie

[sawyersmomma]

My son is the same age & doing THE SAME thing.  He eats & then acts like I'm assulting him.  HE'll want to latch on & then will make faces, twist around, push away/off.  Some times it's gas but other times I have no idea what to do.  I do try breast compressions but that doesn't really make a difference for him.

[Erin (redstarfalling)]

Try switching back and forth between your breasts.  It might just be that your supply hasn't quite increased enough to meet his demands.  The 6 week growth spurt tends to be a pretty hefty one.  Are you drinking enough during the day?  Dehydration can cause a slowed letdown too.