Look at swallowing function. If it were oral aversion, baby probably 
wouldn't take the soother/pacifier/dummy either. The most common reasons 
for babies to stop feeding suddenly at three to four months are reduced 
milk production (but then the baby would usually take the bottle) or 
dysphagia. The airway changes conformation as the neck grows, so 
swallowing safely takes more coordination. Some babies fall apart and 
refuse to feed when that happens. Prone feeding, pressing on the breast 
to reduce milk flow during the first milk ejection (which is strongest), 
keeping hands off baby's head so they can let go as they need to for a 
breathing break can all help. Speech therapists are usually the most 
helpful professional to work with in these cases.

If baby got increasingly fussy after feeds for several weeks before the 
strike, or mostly fed in his/her sleep or sidelying in bed, those are 
consistent with dysphagia.

Baby needs to feel safe. Gentle flow, gentle offering, lots of cuddling 
to reduce the sympathetic nervous system activation.

Good luck, let us know what it turns out to be.

Catherine Watson Genna BS, IBCLC  NYC  www.cwgenna.com

On 12/5/2021 7:57 PM, Donna Bruschi wrote:
> Hi Kristen,
>
> It sounds like you have the basics covered on encouraging the baby to nurse. I don’t have much to add except maybe trying while sleeping, or cuddling together in the bathtub.
>
> I encourage parents to think back to what was happening right before the strike--from the baby’s point of view. The stretches are one thing. What else?
>
> Your client's baby is the age when babies try out biting the breast while teething. They are often distractible, busy and nursing can be hit or miss. Was the baby startled or scared? Have the parents been busy and not cuddling enough? Anything new in the home: holidays, moving, sounds, people, pets? Detergents or body scents? Pregnancy or period? Possible ear infection, congestion? Different tasting breastmilk from the mother eating different foods, herbs or medication? These are a starting place for everyone to consider, as babies are noticing and processing things that we have learned to ignore.
>
> I worked with a client who started taking fenugreek. Her baby got really fussy and gassy and stopped nursing. She was surprised to think that her baby might be affected, but could see a possible correlation. She stopped and after 3-4 days, he was back to his old self and nursing.
>
>
> Warmly
>
> Donna Bruschi, IBCLC
>
>
>
>
>   
>> Date:    Sat, 4 Dec 2021 05:52:45 -0500
>> From:    Kristen Bell <[log in to unmask]>
>> Subject: Oral aversion
>>
>> Hi
>> Wondering if anyone had any suggestions regarding an interesting case.
>> Baby had tongue tie release at 2.5 months.   Parents did the stretches after deeds for 6 weeks after.
>> All of a sudden a week ago baby decided to stop eating.  Won’t take a bottle or breast will take a soother.
>> Baby had to be hospitalized to get a tube for feeding.
>> My initial thoughts is possibly oral aversion from 6 weeks of exercises after feeds.  Baby is otherwise healthy no sickness happy and well
>>
>> Any thoughts on how to get this baby to eat again?   I suggested ski to skin and lots of access to breasts with no stress.   Perhaps try dipping the soother in milk?  Also suggests some bodywork and massage
>>
>> Would appreciate any other thoughts.
>>
>> Kristen
>>
>> Kristen Bell. RN IBCLC
>>              ***********************************************
>>
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