How do I breastfeed my baby who refuses?

Understanding Breast Refusal
Breastfeeding can be a beautiful bonding experience between a mother and her baby, but it can also come with challenges, particularly when a baby refuses to nurse. This phenomenon, often referred to as a “nursing strike,” can be distressing for mothers who are eager to provide nourishment and comfort through breastfeeding. Understanding the reasons behind this refusal and exploring strategies to encourage breastfeeding can help ease the transition back to nursing.
Reasons for Refusal
There are several reasons why a baby might refuse to breastfeed. These can range from physical issues, such as a poor latch or teething discomfort, to environmental factors like stress or changes in routine. Babies may also refuse the breast if they have recently been introduced to bottles or pacifiers, as they can become accustomed to the different sucking mechanism required for these alternatives. Additionally, illness or discomfort can lead to a temporary refusal, as babies may associate breastfeeding with discomfort.
Strategies to Encourage Breastfeeding
If your baby is refusing to breastfeed, there are several strategies you can employ to encourage them to return to the breast:
1. Stay Calm and Patient: It’s essential to remain calm and patient during this time. Babies can pick up on their mother’s stress, which may further discourage them from nursing. Take deep breaths and approach the situation with a relaxed mindset.
2. Skin-to-Skin Contact: Engaging in skin-to-skin contact can help stimulate your baby’s natural instincts to breastfeed. Holding your baby close to your chest can create a comforting environment that encourages them to latch.
3. Experiment with Different Positions: Sometimes, a change in position can make a difference. Try different breastfeeding positions to see if your baby prefers one over another. This can help them feel more comfortable and secure.
4. Limit Distractions: Create a quiet and calm environment for breastfeeding. Reducing distractions can help your baby focus on nursing without being overwhelmed by sights and sounds.
5. Offer the Breast Frequently: Even if your baby refuses initially, continue to offer the breast regularly. This can help reinforce the idea that breastfeeding is available and can encourage them to try again.
6. Use a Breastfeeding Aid: If your baby is accustomed to bottle feeding, consider using a breastfeeding aid, such as a supplemental nursing system. This allows your baby to receive milk while still being encouraged to latch onto the breast.
7. Consult a Lactation Consultant: If the refusal persists, seeking help from a lactation consultant can provide personalized strategies and support. They can assess your breastfeeding technique and help identify any underlying issues.
Conclusion
While a baby refusing to breastfeed can be a challenging experience, it is often a temporary phase. By understanding the potential reasons behind the refusal and employing various strategies to encourage breastfeeding, mothers can navigate this difficult time with confidence. Remember, patience and persistence are key, and seeking support from professionals can make a significant difference in overcoming breastfeeding challenges.

How do you breastfeed a baby that won’t latch?

Try wearing baby in a sling or soft carrier and walking around the house as you attempt to nurse. Or pat baby’s back rhythmically for five minutes before attempting to latch her on. Even rocking or holding baby and swaying for a few minutes may help baby to come back to the breast.

How to fix breastfeeding aversion?

Try breastfeeding baby after a bath when they are warm and relaxed (if your baby likes baths). You could try playing with your baby on the floor while you are bare from the waist up. After some time gradually offer your breast. Anticipate your baby’s waking time and lift them to feed while still sleepy.

What to do when a baby refuses to breastfeed?

If your little one is not interested in nursing, take a 15 minute break to distract both you and your baby, and then try again. If your baby still refuses, give expressed milk (preferably through a syringe or cup) and PUMP in place of nursing. Stimulating your breast is vital to continued milk production.

How do you get a baby back on the breast after bottle?

How to Get Baby Back to Breast

1. Tips to get started.
2. Skin-to-skin.
3. Try different breastfeeding positions.
4. Latching tips.
5. A sleepy baby may latch.
6. Avoid using a dummy or pacifier.
7. Avoid using a bottle for some or all feeds.
8. Make a bottle feed more like a breastfeed.

How do I fix my baby’s aversion when breastfeeding?

Try feeding your baby in a quiet room with no distractions. Cuddle your baby. Skin-to-skin contact between you and your baby might renew your baby’s interest in breastfeeding. See if your baby will latch on while taking a warm bath together.

How long does breast refusal last?

Sudden refusal or nursing strike
Nursing strikes usually last between 2 to 4 days, however they can last longer. There are several reasons why your baby may suddenly start to refuse your breast: they are unwell (tummy ache, earache, oral thrush etc.) too little milk.

What causes refusal to breastfeed?

It could be from a cold, ear infection, stuffy nose, upset stomach, injury, teething, thrush, cold sore, or other reasons. Your baby is upset. Maybe there is a big change in nursing routine, you were apart for a long time, or your baby’s environment is uncomfortable. Your baby is distracted.

How to correct a bad latch?

These tips help you get a good latch—and know if you have one.

1. Tickle your baby’s lips with your nipple. This will help baby open their mouth wide.
2. Aim your nipple just above your baby’s top lip. Make sure your baby’s chin isn’t tucked into their chest.
3. Aim your baby’s lower lip away from the base of your nipple.

When is it too late to start breastfeeding?

Breastfeed early
Ideally do this within the first hour after birth before any interruptions such as washing and weighing. It’s never too late to start Biological Nurturing, even if your baby is sleepy due to drugs you had in labour—spending lots of time skin-to-skin helps babies breastfeed well.

Why does my baby scream when I try to breastfeed?

Sometimes, your milk lets down so fast that your baby can have trouble swallowing the amount of milk that’s being released. Because of this, your baby may act fussy at breast or choke and sputter at the breast, and he or she may be quite gassy.