My 7 1/2 month old is not eating much. She has never been a great breasfeeder, but that has been her main source and practically her only source of food. For the past few months, she has been "snacking" on the breast. She'll only eat for about 5 minutes, sometimes less. I started rice cereal mixed with water at the end of her 5th month and she only eats about two tablespoons 2-3 times a day. I have tried the rice mixed with breastmilk and she won't eat it. I've tried feeding her oatmeal, various vegetables, various fruits, mixed vegetables, and mixed fruits. I've also tried stage one and two baby food, as well as different brands. I have tried to give her a bottle and different types of sippy cups- nope! She refuses to open her mouth, turns away, hits at the spoon or cup, and eventually starts crying. She's on the skinny side and I'm afraid she has started to lose weight. She does not sleep through the night because she wakes up hungry several times. It is so frustrating!! Any thoughts or ideas before I call the doctor?
I think I would just call the doctor because she must be hungry & maybe she is having difficulty getting your breastmilk?
If you are worried, just call the doctor, that is what they are there for. Good luck!
I had the same problems with my youngest. My peditrician told me not to worry and to give him vitamin drops (Enfamil). BUT, every child is different..call the doctor if you are worried
I would call your pediatrician and ask for a referral to a feeding therapist or lactation consultant. It sounds like your daughter isn't breastfeeding well, so she's always hungry, but never filling up. At seven months old, she really doesn't need to be eating baby food... but she does need to be nursing well. If the solid food is stressing her out (hitting the spoon, turning away, and crying are all signs of stress in a baby)... then STOP THE SOLID FOOD. She doesn't need it at this age. It has fewer calories per ounce than breastmilk or formula, so you're working hard for something that isn't filling her up.
Instead, get back on track with breastfeeding and then reintroduce the solid food. For what it's worth - snacking on the breast and refusing solids can be signs of "silent reflux". That's where a baby has reflux, but doesn't spit up. Eating causes pain so the baby will eat less, then get hungry, snack all day because a full meal hurts the tummy, etc. It's a vicious cycle. I'd talk to the pedi about reflux, and also ask for an evaluation by a feeding therapist.
