Nursing

Dear Dr. Markel,
My baby is 22 months now and is still breastfeeding. I thought he would stop on his own but he refuses to stop and doesn't really like milk and worst with soy. He also still feeds at night. He sleeps in our bed so when he wakes he wants to feed. I've tried not giving it to him but he cries and cries and I'm already sleep-deprived to I give up. Any advice?

Dear Dr. Markel,
I am really struggling with breastfeeding my daughter. She is 6 months old and I am still pretty much exclusively breastfeeding her. Every time I feed her I have trouble letting down. Sometimes I can't let down at all which leaves both of us frustrated. I breastfed my son for 14 months and never had a problem. I think the more it continues to happen the more anxiety I retain about feeding her. I am not sure how to get back into a good rhythm with my feedings.I have spoken with women from the La Leache League but none of their suggestions have helped me to get back to an easy going breastfeeding relationship with my daughter. I will take any suggestions you have and look forward to hearing from you.
Thank you,
Kristin

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 Dr. Markel,
I'm currently breastfeeding my 3rd baby who is now 8 months old. I've recently been hearing a great deal about infant exposure to toxins from mother's breast milk to certain chemicals, such as PBDEs. The potential to pass on a higher “body burden” of toxins that could lead to unforeseeable problems later in life, including passing along a higher risk of birth defects, miscarriage or other illnesses to their children really alarms me and is causing me to re-think breastfeeding my youngest through the 2nd year as I did with my other babies. Where/how can I get tested to find out if I have a have a high level of toxins in my body and my breast milk? The recent article in Elle Magazine, April 2007, "The kids are Not All Right" suggested there are labs, but that it may be incredibly expensive. Do you have any comments or ideas?