Help 12 weeks old and all of a sudden everythings gone wrong

[Sarabob]

Help! My 12 EBF LO was getting on a fab 3 he easy and even got to only one or two wakeings in the night. But all of a sudden he has done the following!
- fussing at the breast taking some screaming then giving up
- refusing to take bottle (express)
- waking at 10, 3 , 4 in the night and hardly sleeping inbetween (grunting growning crying out)
- naps either 20 min or struggle to wake up!

We normally have a near perfect 3 he 7 - 7 easy
Feeds quickly 10 - 20 min
Awakes for 1hr . 15/20 before yawn then cuddle and nap
Naps 2 x 45 1 x 2hr 1 x 20min
Bath feed sleep by 8pm wakes at 1am then back down.

Don't get me wrong it wasn't perfect everyday but we were getting there and if I put my mind to it we had some fab days.

What the heck has happened??? What do I do where do I start to fix what is now a daily battle to feed which I think is the route of all other problems!!!

[Fiver]

My first suspicion would be growth spurt.  There is one around 12w/3m which could be responsible for the dodgy naps and NWs.  It may be that you'll need to feed a bit more frequently for a few days for your supply to catch up.

[Sarabob]

But how do I deal with his fussing on the breast it's as if my let down is to much for him but he can handle it sometimes. :-(

[Fiver]

You could try reclining while you feed, even if it's just putting your bottom at the front of the chair and leaning backwards so your back is against the back of the chair.

A more exaggerated version of that is demonstrated here - http://www.biologicalnurturing.com/video/bn3clip.html

Another option would be to allow the initial letdown to spray into a cloth and relatch so it's not so strong for him.

[yufeiisme]

Could it be reflux too because of the fussiness at both breast and bottle? My DD was exactly the same till we put her on Zantac

[Kangarruu]

My DD used to fuss like crazy when she had to burp while nursing. She would refuse to latch, or latch and then let go within a few seconds and scream. I would only realize what was happen we she would suddenly burp. I would definitely recommend trying to burp if he is being fussy.

DD also went through a weird phase where she preferred one breast over the other. 

[Sarabob]

Yeah burping reflux etc seems to always have been a problem but its all got so bad this past week and today has been horrible the poor thing hasn't slept because he hasn't eaten enough so snacking and short naps. DH suggesting moving to 4hr feeding is it not to early? His thoughts are DS will be to hungry to fuss and therefore take a proper feed but how does this effect the nights?

[Fiver]

At 12/13w, IMO, it probably is too early to be thinking about spacing feeds out so far.

Have you tried feeding in a different position so that he's more upright, which could help with the reflux also

[Sarabob]

Thanks was worried it might be too early. Currently the only position that seems to work is both laying down unless I'm pretty much empty then he is ok.

Today he went to sleep as normal at 8pm after a long 7pm feed. Woke and fed at 11.30 2.20 5 and woke him at 7 to start the day small feed at 7'and 8 then at 10 however hehas slept to pretty much most of the day too! I feel all over the place. Thought by 3 months he should be more or less the same each day.

Am i right to feed in the night when he wakes eve though he has for anfewnweeks previously only woken at 1 for a feed. Or should I be settling him??


Sorry for all the questions feel like I've lost the plot with our schedule this week!!

[Kangarruu]

If he's not getting full feeds during the day he may be making it up at night, especially if it's a growth spurt.  Try feeding more frequently during the day and clustering before bed. That way even if he's fussing he'd make up more than with fewer feedings. Are you giving a dream feed or waiting for him to wake up? If you introduce a dream feed between 10 and 11 you may avoid the 11.30 wake up altogether.

Another thing to consider is teething. I know he's still tiny for teeth to actually cut through but around the same age my DD was gnawing on things so hard I was sure she was teething. It could be gum pain that is causing him to reject the breast. Try rubbing his gums a little before latching.

[Fiver]

During a growth spurt it is expected that LOs will wake at night to feed and essential for future milk supply.  Levels of prolactin are highest between 12am and 6am, so any feeds you do during that period are important.  Also milk supply tends to be more plentiful at this time and babies are very clever

[Sarabob]

Thanks guys I will continue feeding in the night then while he wants it.
I think teething maybe an issue he has been drooling like a river and chewing on anything and everything that goes near him also hates the bottle since a week or so ago.
So I think I have a gowth spurt teething strong let down cuddly baby on my hands which has resulted in a mess of our sleep and feeds

Will keep going and hopefully ride it through!! Thanks for all your help guys x

[yufeiisme]

OMG since yesterday my baby started exactly the same fussiness except she is not feeding! I am so worried. What is the cause

[Fiver]

yufeiisme - you might want to start your own thread with some details so you get some more help