Expert: Sageda El-Abbasy - 10/25/2008

Question
My 8 month old has suddenly started to refuse the breast. He was exclusively breast fed until 6 months. Then we introduced solids. He'd nurse first (both breasts) and then I'd feed him solids. Up until 2 weeks ago he nursed and ate solids eagerly. Now he refuses the breast (arching his back and winning) at every feed. I'll try twice to put him on and then he'll nurse for a short time. He comes off and then maybe after a hour or so I'll try again. Sometimes he'll eat more. He's still eating his solids as usual (no issues there).

The only other unusual behavior includes going to the breast, latching on, but not sucking. He also started hitting the palm of his hand on his jaw near the opening to his ear. The doctor confirmed no ear infection.

Any insight into what could be going on or what we could do would be appreciated. I have now started pumping and mixing the breast milk into his solids. He used to take a bottle, but is refusing that as well.  

Answer
Children feel that they no longer need to breast feed at different ages.  However I'd suggest you try again and keep pumping your milk and adding it to his food.  Maybe it's just a phase.  You can introduce the cup, babies above 6 months should be able to use cups instead of bottles.  You should also try to keep a minimum of 2 hours between feeds.
Check with his doctor if the joint in his jaw is ok.  Don't get worried, I'm just trying to analyze this palm hitting he does.
Hope things get better, good luck and update me.