Ask The Doctor

ERGObaby carrier > Ask The Doctor > Nursing > Baby Stopped Nursing

Baby Stopped Nursing

Dear Dr. Markel
Hi- Two and a half weeks ago, my 8.5 month old son suddenly stopped nursing (he had been nursing 4-5 times a day and eating 3 meals/day of solids). I found out that he had an ear infections in both ears and was getting 4 new teeth. Unfortunately, we realized after a few days that the amoxicillin was not working, so I took him back to the ped. and he was put on a stronger antibiotic. I assumed he still wasn't nursing b/c of the discomfort.

But now, the ears are better, and he still will not nurse (he will not even put his mouth on my breast), despite my trying multiple times a day (I even woke him up in the middle of the night to try). I am pumping so he gets the breast milk mixed with oatmeal and fruit (he refuses ANY liquid in a bottle/cup). Should I face the reality that he will not go back? Is it possible he has forgotten how? Is there anything else I can do? How I can I at least get him to start drinking the liquids out of a cup/bottle? Is it possible that my breastmilk has changed and he no longer likes the taste?

Thanks for any advice!

Dear Trusting Mother
First, I question the diagnosis of ear infections in this story. See my posting at http://www.attachmentparentingdoctor.com/ear_infection.html. Ear infections in breast-fed babies are rare. Further, acute otitis media (ear infection) is over-diagnosed in 40 to 80 percent of patients. Why? It is tempting for the physician to have an easy answer for a fussy child with an exhausted parent. When a child is crying, even simply as a result of being examined, he or she will almost invariably have some abnormality in the examination of the eardrum. Furthermore, even if there was an infection in the middle ear, antibiotics are over-used and not always necessary, as otitis media is often a self-limited condition.

Assuming, as I am, that there was no true abnormality in the examination of the ear, a new problem for your baby was then introduced into his system, that is, discomfort from the effects of the antibiotic. He was then put on yet a “stronger” antibiotic but I have no indication from your letter that there were any symptoms of an ear infection, that is, high fever, much nasal congestion, and screaming in pain specifically when lying down. A “”stronger” antibiotic leads to more severe side effects and I am concerned that your baby’s “treatment” was worse than the “disease”.

What else is going on in this scenario? The stress that you, his mother, is under as a result of seeing your baby in distress, as well as the other factors in your life of which I have no knowledge, are further interfering with a peaceful breast-feeding relationship.

I encourage you to trust your instincts from this point on, relax with your baby (perhaps in a warm bath) and the nursing will come back.

Other issues about challenges in your life, and conflicts between traditional western medicine and the health of children, are beyond the scope of this discussion. I invite you to visit my website or to arrange a personal consultation with me. Mothers who are struggling benefit enormously from the support and encouragement of a professional advocate who will honor, acknowledge, celebrate and guide her in her choices.

Susan Markel, M.D.
“peaceful parenting for a peaceful world”

-----
Dr. Susan Markel, MD, is a Board Certified Pediatrician, and Attachment Parenting Advisor. She is also the author of, "Ask The Doctor," in partnership with ERGObaby. If you have additional questions, please feel free to visit her website at http://www.AttachmentParentingDoctor.com and request a private consultation.

categories

Nursing
This article published on July 5, 2007 July 5, 2007 |
search
about this entry

this page contains a single entry by ERGObaby published on July 5, 2007 July 5, 2007.

Vaccinations and School was the previous entry in this blog.

Swings, Carriers, and Sleeping Babies is the next entry in this blog.

find recent content on the main index.