I have been exclusively breastfeeding my son from the start. His weight gain has been alright but since the beginning, every feed has been a struggle! I thought it was over active letdown that would slowly improve while he gets bigger and my milk supply adjusts. It's been 4.5 months and he STILL struggles, arches his back, and hits my chest at the beginning of feeds during the day time.
It's so confusing because he drinks well at night so he is able to handle the flow. During the day, sometimes he pulls off during letdown and milk sprays out but sometimes he pulls off and seems frustrated that there isn't flow. He refuses to eat and has gone 7 hours without a feed in the day time! I am worried.
I can usually get him to feed if I force him in the beginning and once he gets going, it's fine. But it's such a struggle and his body arching is worrying me. My ped thought it may be reflux but he doesn't seem to be in pain and does not spit up a lot. We tried a medication for reflux and it did not help.
I pump when he refuses to eat but he will not take a bottle. I pump to keep up my supply. I do still get engorged but it's really random. Some days, my breasts feel so empty, some days really full.
What's wrong? Why isn't nursing getting easier? I'm so confused!