Hi all
Yet more questions from Fiona!! I saw a mother today with a baby who is
refusing the breast. Fed wonderfully for first 8 weeks, good latch, good
weight gains. Had first vaccination (no particular reaction) and 2 days
later suddenly began to refuse breast - screamed, struggled. Sometimes
went on if very sleepy, but refused as soon as woke up. Mother tried
nipple shield which helped sometimes. After about 2 weeks baby went back
to breast with little or no refusal. A week later began to vigorously
refuse again. Mum has tried everything - different positions, different
light/noise, asleep/awake, lots of skin-to-skin etc. Baby is well, no
signs of illness, no thrush. Mum has no change in diet, no meds, no vitamins
no change in perfume and so on.

I'm stumped !!! Between us, the mum and I have tried every trick that we
know. She is very keen to feed, but is frustrated and feels rejected by
her baby. I can't think why a baby who was doing so well at the breast
and really enjoying feeds would suddenly refuse. There were no 'scares' at
the breast, and mum has not been forcing baby to feed. If anyone can suggest
any more tricks to help baby feed, or reasons that this might be happening,
I would be grateful.

Fiona Coombes
Mopping up after the Christmas break !!!
Perth Western Australia.