Expert: ruth kraft - 10/24/2009

Question
Hello,

I have a three week old baby who has been gaining weight steadily, and generally feeding quite well.

However, over the past week or so he has been having these frantic episodes. They generally happen in the evening.  He behaves as though he's starving and moves his head about in a crazed way seeming desperate for my nipple. When I finally get it into his mouth (generally with a compromised latch because he's so frantic) he sucks for a few sucks then spits it out and frantically tries to get it again.

Tonight was the all time worst when he burst into a crying fit. I took him off, calmed him, and tried again. I've tried both breasts. He just doesn't seem to want to drink from my breast and is very frustrated. He finally passed out, and I'm afraid that we're going to go through this again when he wakes up.

Do you have any idea what the problem may be and how I can fix it?

Thanks in advance.
Lisa

Answer
this could be one of many things. She could have reflux, you could have a fast let down , or maybe shes impatient and wanting a let down faster than it is available. I would reccomend that you find a doula or La leach league leader and have them evaluate how he is latching and watchign the behaviour. that will help determine what exactly it is and what can be done.  sorry I can't help more, its a wide variety of what it could be.