Breastfeeding is a special bond between mother and baby, but sometimes babies refuse to nurse. This can be stressful for both parent and child.
Breast refusal can happen for many reasons. The baby might be sick, teething, or stressed. Sometimes it’s due to a change in routine or surroundings. Other times, there may be no clear cause.
Understanding Breastfeeding Challenges
Babies may refuse to breastfeed for many reasons. These can be due to physical issues or environmental factors. Knowing the possible causes can help moms find solutions.
Identifying Causes of Breast Refusal
Breast refusal can happen suddenly or gradually. Common causes include
Newborn
- Prematurity
- Poor or inefficient latch
- Flat or inverted nipple
- Delay in breast milk production
- Drowsiness or sleepiness
Older Baby
- Illness
– Ear infections or earaches
– Stuffy nose from a cold
– Thrush in the baby’s mouth - Pain and discomfort
– Reflux discomfort
– Teething Pain
– Infantile Colic - Distractions or Stress
– Distraction in the feeding area
– Stress or changes in routine - Breast Milk issues
– Low Milk Supply
– Fast or slow milk flow
– Mom’s diet affecting milk taste - Baby’s growth spurts
Moms should watch for signs of these problems. A baby who is upset or fussy at the breast may be dealing with one of these issues.
Strategies to Encourage Breastfeeding
When a baby refuses to breastfeed, there are several effective strategies parents can try. These approaches focus on creating a comfortable environment, improving feeding techniques, managing alternatives, and monitoring the baby’s health.
1. Creating a Favorable Nursing Environment
A calm setting can help encourage breastfeeding. Find a quiet room with dim lighting to reduce distractions. Use a comfortable chair or bed with proper back support.
Skin-to-skin contact can be very effective. This promotes bonding and may stimulate the baby’s feeding instincts.
Try different breastfeeding positions. The cradle hold, football hold, or side-lying position might work better for some babies.
Maintain a consistent nursing routine. Offer the breast when the baby shows early hunger cues, like rooting or sucking on hands.
2. Technical Tips for Successful Feeding
Start with proper latch techniques. Ensure the baby’s mouth covers a large portion of the areola, not just the nipple.
Signs of a good latch include:
- Comfort for you, without any pain around the nipple.
- You can see or hear your baby swallowing.
- Your baby’s lips turn outward.
- Your baby’s chest is resting against your body.
Use breast compressions to increase milk flow. Gently squeeze the breast during feeding to encourage more milk release.
Avoid using pacifiers or bottles during a nursing strike. These can interfere with the baby’s ability to latch correctly.
3. Managing Feeding Alternatives
If direct breastfeeding is challenging, consider pumping breast milk. This helps maintain milk supply and provides an alternative feeding method.
Use a cup, spoon, or syringe to feed expressed milk. These methods are less likely to cause nipple confusion than bottle feeding.
If supplementing is necessary, work with a lactation consultant to develop a plan that supports continued breastfeeding efforts.
Consider dream feeding – nursing the baby while they’re drowsy or asleep. This can be effective when the baby is less aware of latching.
4. Monitoring Baby’s Health and Well-being
Keep track of wet diapers to ensure the baby is getting enough milk. Aim for 6-8 wet diapers per day for babies over a week old.
Monitor the baby’s weight gain. Regular pediatrician visits can help track growth and address any concerns.
Watch for signs of oral thrush or ear infections, which can make breastfeeding painful for the baby.
Be aware of teething pain, which can cause temporary breast refusal. Offer a cold teething ring before nursing to soothe sore gums.