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I have some questions please: 1) This is my 2nd baby. He breastfeeds usually without any problems, but sometimes he just can't breastfeed at all - and moves his head away from the breast and cries. it is very weird - it's as if he cant clutch at all. but this happens sometimes. what does it mean? 2( and sometimes - i feel that there is a lot of milk pouring out from both sides which is good, but at other times - i feel and actually see nothing is pouring out - does that still mean there is no milk there? meaning - do i have to see the milk to know there is milk? 3( when he isnt BF - he puts his hands in his mouth all the time. doesnt want pasaphire. what can i do? 4( he is 4 months old thanks thanks thanks

Hi Eileen, 1. I am going to write this run on because it is easier to read. you must read from the bottom up. when babies move away from the breast it can be due to a stuffed nose, or even due to candida in his mouth. If it is due to a stuffed nose, you can try saline or whatever they recommend today, and if it is thrush (candida) then it is wise to get it checked by a MD. he hopefully will know how to handle it. 2. "The milk pouring out can be an active let-down reflex or when you are fuller usually in the mornings. if you don't have that it isn't always an indication that there is nothing there. the baby will let you know unequivocally, because if he is calm at the breast then he is getting what he needs from there. 3. he is 4 months old, so I assume along the way he has been gaining weight satisfactorily. If so, then at this stage I can't see why giving a pacifier would hurt, although the sucking reflex is so that babies will nurse at the breast. the reflex gets less and less strong as the months go by. Breastfed babies have no need for pacifiers as they are mommy substitues, and the breast is meant to answer that need. Bottlefed babies usually have to have pacifiers otherwise the physiological need of calming the sucking reflex is not met. Ideally it is best not even to start with pacifiers because it is generally parent-induced and not according to the baby's need but more the parents'!! hope this helps. ellen