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Author Topic: Left Breast Refusal - HELP!  (Read 1078 times)

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Offline Shellha

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Left Breast Refusal - HELP!
« on: December 02, 2006, 11:37:27 am »
My 6.5mo DS has refused my left breast completely 3 times in the last 3 days, and is showing a definite preference for my right breast at all other feeds.

He BF 4x a day (4 hourly) and has a DF of formula (usually 5.5-6oz). He is on 3 solid meals a day, which he has between 1-2 hours after a BF.

At his 10.30 feed today, he was supposed to start on the left side - he would not take it at all. I then swapped him over and he fed happily for 5-7 mins on the right side. I then tried to put him back on the left side and he gave my breast a few little sucks but then started screaming to be allowed to sit up.

I am getting quite concerned at his complete refusal of my left breast - not sure what it could be as the conditions are the same as they have been for the last 6.5months! He has never shown a preference before this - although it's not like he prefers the right he just won't eat from the left - and when he does it will only be for a minute or so.

Thanks for any insight
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Offline RachelC

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Re: Left Breast Refusal - HELP!
« Reply #1 on: December 02, 2006, 23:43:59 pm »
I'm not sure what he might be thinking about the left side.  My dd prefered my left side and always fed better from that side (I know this is sudden for you).  At one point I did discover that the position I was holding her on the right was not as comfortable for her... maybe something changed for your ds (weight/height gain) that caused you to hold him slightly differently.

I would keep offering the left side, but not force it.  He may come around again.  It is totally possible to feed him off only the right, your body will adjust (think twins!)

Not such great advice, hope it helps some.
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Proud to have breastfed for a combined total of 35 months

Offline Karin3

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Re: Left Breast Refusal - HELP!
« Reply #2 on: December 03, 2006, 00:46:20 am »
Hey Shell!  I'm stalking you. lol

I would try maybe holding him in a different position.  Mimi doesn't like the right side and the other day I sat her up (rather than laying down) on my lap facing my breast (kind of straddling my leg) and she fed better. 

I know it's sudden but maybe there's something he's looking at on that side.  Mimi also gets distracted on the right side because there's a window right there.  So, sometimes if I move so she's not looking at the window then she'll also nurse better.  Oh, also, there's a bit of a draft from her window and a heater vent near where I nurse Mimi.  So, sometimes she either gets hot air or cold air blowing on her face while she's nursing.  I also have to change locations if that's the case.

I can't think of anything else right now but I'm going to keep it in the back of my mind...  I'm looking forward to reading posts from others to see what they've done...
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Offline x95stocchier

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Re: Left Breast Refusal - HELP!
« Reply #3 on: December 05, 2006, 02:13:04 am »
How about teeth?  When DS started teething, he refused the side that was most uncomfortable for him to nurse on.  If that's the case, it will pass.  Otherwise, it has been suggested to me (though thsi might work better with youngerr babies) to start on teh preferred side, then after it starts flowing, take them off and slide them over to the other side w/o really changing position...just slide across your lap, kwim?  may not work since he's older, but worth a try.
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Sarah

Offline Katet

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Re: Left Breast Refusal - HELP!
« Reply #4 on: December 05, 2006, 02:40:55 am »
From about 4mo ds#2 really wasn't interested in my right side, by 7mo he had stopped feeding from it almost completely -... he continued to happily feed from only the left side until he self weaned at 17.5mo.
Interestingly ds#1 had a preference for my right & fed less from my left
Some women do completely feed from one side, breasts can be a bit lopsided, but they get the milk they need.
I expressed milk for a cup feed & cereal from my right from 7-12months so that maintained the supply there.
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Offline Shellha

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Re: Left Breast Refusal - HELP!
« Reply #5 on: December 05, 2006, 19:56:43 pm »
Thanks everyone

Sarah - it could well be teeth as he is 'chewing' his tongue/mouth all day long and waking erratically. Some feeds he is fine on it, and others he just completely refuses so will just keep offering but otherwise give him the right side

Thanks again
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Offline x95stocchier

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Re: Left Breast Refusal - HELP!
« Reply #6 on: December 05, 2006, 20:29:54 pm »
That's what it was like w/ DS....off and on refusal of bm, solids, etc.  He didn't cut teeth for another month, though....so if it is teeth, could be just moving.  Doens't mean they'll come in next week....unfortunately!
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Sarah
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