Expert: Mary Pat, R.N. - 10/13/2009

Question
Hi Mary, I have been breastfeeding my 11mth 1wk old son but since he got his teeth, it's been really painful. Also, just 4days ago, he bit me real hard and I couldnt suppress my scream, which probably scared him and sent him on a nursing strike. Since then he only breastfeeds when he is asleep (once during afternoon and twice during the night). I had no option but to transition him to a sippy cup (since I wanted to cut down bottle-cup transition later). Also, started giving him whole milk in the cup since he is going to be 1yr old soon. He took it well the first day, 2.5-4oz each feeding but since the 2nd day, he has been hating the sight of the cup. He lets it in his mouth with difficulty and pushes it out after chewing on it and having 1-2 sips. At most he drinks 1-2oz each feedings from the cup (max. 3 feedings a day now, earlier during breastfeeding it was 5-6 feedings a day). I have tried breastfeeding again while he is awake, but he still refuses. My husband also tried having him drink whole milk from the cup, in vain.

I am sick n worried about his milk intake since he is already underweight and doesnt take any other fluids. He eats solids depending on his mood, mostly thrice a day. I am also supplementing with 1-1.5oz of cheese and 2oz yogurt daily. Plz advise on how to get him to drink more from the cup. Also, my milk supply has kind of decreased due to the erratic feedings and lack of pumping. Appreciate your help and advise. Thanks.

Answer
Dear Payal:

Transitioning from breast to sippee cup can be difficult.  

I would continue to offer the sippee cup with all meals and hope he will take some milk.  Until he is taking at least 16 to 20 ounces of milk a day which is what he needs at this age continue to offer him yogurt, cheese and make some puddings with whole milk.  You should offer several other sources of dairy protein 3 times a day at least.

Eventually he will come around to drinking more milk from the sippee cup but you will have to be patient with him and persevere.  Don't stress over it as he will sense that and resist even more.

Mary Pat