Tug-a-war with my breast!

Lately, Tyce has been playing tug-a-war with my breast occasionally during feedings. He'll eat for a while and then it's like he isn't getting enough or he has gas or something... ??? He yanks and pulls on my nipple with his mouth then detaches, cries, latches on, detaches, cries... HE gets so upset I have to just give up and walk around with him until he calms down. Eventually he just falls asleep. At first I was worried he had thrush or something but I know that isn't the case. He eats most meals just fine.. It usually happens during an evening feeding oddly enough (although today it happened at 4 pm). I can feel gurgling in his belly too, while he eats, so I worry that the gas is out of control or something... I start blaming it on myself - my diet, not burping him enough, etc. It makes me sooo sad for him. Does this sound like gas, a growth spurt or something else? I just feel so bad for him :-(

 

:hug: Don't be so hard on yourself!!!
Are you sure he is hungry? Would he take a plug?
Does he spit up a lot? Any? Could he have reflux?
Breastfed babies do tend to have a lot of gas. Are you using gas drops or massaging gently around the navel clockwise when you get a chance?
It doesn't sound like a growth spurt, but you are probably due for one any day now. Reflux would be my guess, but it just might be a phase. I hope it gets better.

 

QUOTE(KaseyS2104 @ Sep 15 2008, 08:24 PM) [snapback]981544[/snapback]
Lately, Tyce has been playing tug-a-war with my breast occasionally during feedings. He'll eat for a while and then it's like he isn't getting enough or he has gas or something... ??? He yanks and pulls on my nipple with his mouth then detaches, cries, latches on, detaches, cries... HE gets so upset I have to just give up and walk around with him until he calms down. Eventually he just falls asleep. At first I was worried he had thrush or something but I know that isn't the case. He eats most meals just fine.. It usually happens during an evening feeding oddly enough (although today it happened at 4 pm). I can feel gurgling in his belly too, while he eats, so I worry that the gas is out of control or something... I start blaming it on myself - my diet, not burping him enough, etc. It makes me sooo sad for him. Does this sound like gas, a growth spurt or something else? I just feel so bad for him :-(


My DS does the same thing sometimes. It only happens at evening feeds, like you said, and not every night. I thought maybe it was too strong a let down...sometimes he'll seem like he's slurping and once milk even came out his nose, and I thought the clamping/tugging and popping off might be his way of slowing it down. I try to keep his head a little elevated when he nurses...it seems to help. I'm going to ped in a few days so I was going to ask then. I'll let you know what she says!

 

It sounds like he's waiting for another let-down. They can get frustrated when they want more and are trying to induce it. Hang in there.

 

My reflux baby did this. He would also gorge himself, and then puke it all up. If it continues, definately talk to your pedi about reflux!

 

QUOTE(girls! @ Sep 15 2008, 10:05 PM) [snapback]981844[/snapback]
It sounds like he's waiting for another let-down. They can get frustrated when they want more and are trying to induce it. Hang in there.



Okay, I got distracted by babies when trying to respond and had to cut it short. I glanced and for some reason thought it said he was 6 months. I agree with the PP that it does sound a bit like reflux or just the normal pain that can come with an immature digestive system. They do outgrow it, but it's terribly frustrating at first. My DD had something like this and she would eat and eat and eat and then cry and cry and then puke...until she was almost 3 months old. There is meds for it if it's reflux.

Sorry for my short response before.

 

DS would do that. I thought he wasn't getting enough, and would keep trying to relatch him until he spit up. Eventually I figured out he does that when he is really, really tired. Now, I give him a chance on the other side, but if he continues to fight, I put him to sleep. A catnap usually takes care of the problem.

 

I'm happy to know that it's a normal behavior now. I agree that it must be reflux after reading your responses. He does spit up a lot. Nothing like my twin Chloe who had to take zantac because she had a bad case of it. I'm not sure Tyce would qualify for meds but I plan to mention it to my doc. I hate to see him frustrated and hearing him cry breaks my heart

Thanks for your advice!

 

QUOTE(KaseyS2104 @ Sep 16 2008, 08:19 PM) [snapback]983304[/snapback]
I'm not sure Tyce would qualify for meds but I plan to mention it to my doc. I hate to see him frustrated and hearing him cry breaks my heart

I had no problem getting meds for Evan. He spit up (and sometimes still does) a lot! Because my twins had issues, the doctor understood too. Good luck.

 

ellie (twin B) does this exact same behavior. it's GAS. my babies mouth frantically when they have gas and when I latch them they suck, pull off, cry, etc.. once they calm down they can pass the gas so i have to soothe her. (sorry, trying to type while holding sleeping baby)