How do I stop my baby from rejecting my breast?

Understanding Breast Refusal
Breast refusal can be a distressing experience for both mothers and their babies. It often occurs suddenly and can stem from various factors, including changes in routine, teething, illness, or even a preference for bottle feeding. Understanding the reasons behind this behavior is crucial for addressing it effectively.
Common Reasons for Breast Refusal
Babies may reject the breast for several reasons. They might be experiencing discomfort due to teething or illness, which can make nursing less appealing. Additionally, if a baby has become accustomed to bottle feeding, they may prefer the ease of that method over breastfeeding. Changes in the mother’s routine, stress levels, or even the introduction of solid foods can also contribute to a temporary nursing strike.
Strategies to Encourage Breastfeeding
1. Skin-to-Skin Contact: One of the most effective ways to encourage your baby to return to breastfeeding is through skin-to-skin contact. This intimate interaction can help your baby feel more comfortable and connected to you, making them more likely to latch on. Spend time cuddling your baby without the pressure to nurse, allowing them to explore your breast naturally.
2. Relaxation Techniques: Stress can impact both you and your baby. Creating a calm environment is essential. Try to relax and focus on making breastfeeding a pleasant experience. This might involve dimming the lights, playing soft music, or simply taking deep breaths.
3. Offering the Breast Without Pressure: If your baby seems frustrated or resistant, it can be helpful to offer the breast without any pressure to nurse. Allow them to explore and become familiar with the breast again. This approach can reduce anxiety for both of you.
4. Maintain a Routine: If your baby is used to a specific feeding routine, try to maintain that as much as possible. If they are accustomed to bottle feeding, consider holding them in a similar position during breastfeeding to create a sense of familiarity.
5. Expressed Milk: If breastfeeding is not working, consider expressing milk and offering it in a bottle. This ensures your baby is still receiving the nutrition they need while you work on re-establishing breastfeeding.
6. Consult a Professional: If the refusal persists, it may be beneficial to consult a lactation consultant or pediatrician. They can provide personalized advice and check for any underlying issues that may be affecting your baby’s willingness to breastfeed.
Conclusion
Breast refusal can be a challenging phase, but with patience and the right strategies, many mothers find success in re-establishing breastfeeding. Remember, every baby is different, and what works for one may not work for another. The key is to remain calm, flexible, and responsive to your baby’s needs. With time and support, you can navigate this hurdle together.

How to fix breast refusal?

Tips and tricks for when your baby suddenly refuses your breast

1. Try to find out what is bothering your baby.
2. Offer your baby your breast when they are sleepy.
3. Carry your baby in a sling.
4. Feed your baby in different locations.

Is side-lying breastfeeding safe for newborns?

A side-lying position might be a good choice when you’re resting, although it’s important to return the baby to the baby’s own bed to sleep. In this position, it can be hard to see how well your baby is latched. So this position may be best once both you and your baby are used to breastfeeding.

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.

Why does my baby hit me while nursing?

Babies touch, press and hit the chest and breasts to stimulate milk flow and promote bonding. It’s normal. The problem is when they get older and stronger and it starts to hurt. Same with pinching, pulling etc. Try giving a toy or wearing a nursin…

Why does my baby keep latching and unlatching repeatedly?

Oversupply and overactive milk ejection reflex are two reasons your baby may pop on and off your breast, while breastfeeding when there is too much milk coming at them too fast or faster than they can handle. Your baby may come off your breast choking and sputtering or need to burp more often.

How long does breastfeeding aversion last?

The difference between aversion and DMER
As a condition, though, DMER is prompted by your milk ejection reflex — hence the name. As such, it lasts for just a few minutes, unlike aversion, which can last for entire nursing sessions.

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.

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.

Why does my baby fight me while breastfeeding?

Some babies will pull off the breast soon after let-down if mom has a forceful let-down. Baby may be frustrated by the too-fast flow of milk with let-down. A too-forceful let-down can also cause excessive gas or spitting up/vomiting.

Why is my baby rejecting one of my breasts?

Just to say, it is completely normal for babies to sometimes appear to reject the breast in the course of successful breastfeeding. Just like we sometimes don’t fancy a meal, babies are the same. They don’t care what the clock says. Sometimes they are simply too tired or over-stimulated.