How do you fix breastfeeding aversion?

Understanding Breastfeeding Aversion
Breastfeeding aversion is a complex emotional response that some mothers experience during nursing sessions. It can manifest as feelings of irritability, frustration, or even rage, making the act of breastfeeding a distressing experience rather than a bonding one. This phenomenon is not widely researched, but it is increasingly recognized among breastfeeding mothers, particularly those who are tandem feeding or breastfeeding while pregnant.
Causes of Breastfeeding Aversion
The triggers for breastfeeding aversion can vary significantly from one mother to another. Factors may include hormonal changes, physical discomfort, or psychological stress. For some, the act of breastfeeding may evoke feelings of being overwhelmed or trapped, leading to a strong aversion to the experience. Additionally, societal pressures and personal expectations about motherhood can exacerbate these feelings, creating a disconnect between the idealized image of breastfeeding and the reality of the emotional turmoil some mothers face.
Strategies to Alleviate Aversion
Addressing breastfeeding aversion requires a multifaceted approach. Here are some strategies that can help mothers navigate this challenging experience:
1. Recognize and Validate Feelings: The first step is acknowledging that these feelings are valid and not uncommon. Understanding that breastfeeding aversion is a recognized phenomenon can help mothers feel less isolated in their experiences.
2. Modify the Environment: Creating a comfortable and calming environment for breastfeeding can make a significant difference. This might include finding a quiet space, using soft lighting, or playing soothing music to help ease anxiety during nursing sessions.
3. Change Nursing Positions: Experimenting with different breastfeeding positions can alleviate physical discomfort and may help reduce feelings of aversion. Finding a position that feels more comfortable can enhance the overall experience.
4. Take Breaks: If feelings of aversion become overwhelming, it’s important to take breaks. This could mean temporarily switching to bottle feeding or expressing milk to give oneself a mental and emotional reprieve.
5. Seek Support: Engaging with support groups or speaking with a lactation consultant can provide valuable insights and reassurance. Sharing experiences with other mothers who have faced similar challenges can foster a sense of community and understanding.
6. Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques: Incorporating mindfulness practices, such as deep breathing or meditation, can help mothers manage their emotions during breastfeeding. These techniques can promote relaxation and reduce feelings of agitation.
7. Consider Professional Help: If aversion persists and significantly impacts the breastfeeding relationship, consulting a mental health professional may be beneficial. Therapy can provide tools to cope with underlying issues that may contribute to aversion.
Conclusion
Breastfeeding aversion is a nuanced and often misunderstood experience that can affect a mother’s ability to nurse comfortably. By recognizing the emotional complexities involved and employing various strategies to address them, mothers can work towards a more positive breastfeeding experience. Ultimately, the goal is to foster a nurturing environment that supports both the mother’s well-being and the infant’s needs, allowing for a healthier breastfeeding relationship.

How to reverse feeding aversion?

What can I do to help?

1. Keep feeding positive for you and your baby.
2. Follow your baby’s lead.
3. When your baby starts to show hunger cues or that they are ready for feeding then offer them a bottle.
4. Offer a bottle when your baby is awake, can engage with feeding and shows cues that they are ready.

Why does my baby freak out when I try to breastfeed?

If you are about to feed and visitors arrive, or your phone is not next to you, or you are anticipating pain or a struggle feeding, you don’t release the hormone oxytocin as quickly so the let-down is slower and the baby can get frustrated and pull away. This often leads to an upset baby and it can upset you too.

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 go crazy when trying to latch?

Baby needs to be well positioned on your breast to latch deeply and access all the milk he needs. A shallow latch does not stimulate a good milk flow, and his fussiness indicates his frustration. → Baby-led attachment is helpful when you’re up against a fussing baby.

How do you reverse breast refusal?

Try a different feeding position
Walk around with your baby in an upright position against your body with their head level with your nipple. Walk and feed at the same time. Try putting your baby in a baby sling. Undo your bra so that baby’s face is touching the skin of your breast and they can find your nipple.

How to fix breast refusal?

Managing a breastfeeding strike

1. Keep trying. If your baby is frustrated, stop and try again later.
2. Change positions. Try different breastfeeding positions.
3. Deal with distractions. Try feeding your baby in a quiet room with no distractions.
4. Cuddle your baby.
5. Address biting issues.
6. Evaluate changes in your routine.

How to treat feeding aversion in babies?

What to Do if Your Baby Refuses to Eat From a Bottle

1. Don’t force your baby to eat. Nudging a bottle into a baby’s mouth isn’t recommended.
2. Find out why your baby is refusing the bottle.
3. Use paced bottle-feeding techniques.
4. Change up the bottle.
5. Change the feeding position or routine.
6. Change the formula.
7. Be patient.

What is the hardest week of breastfeeding?

moms and babies have to learn together.” The first week is always the hardest, but by the second week, most moms have rebounded from their engorgement phase and things fall into place, she says. Engorgement typically happens when milk production ramps up within the first few days of giving birth.

What are my options if I don’t want to breastfeed?

If your baby is younger than 1 year, you’ll need to replace the dropped breastfeed with a formula feed from a bottle or (if they’re over 6 months) a cup or beaker, instead. If your child is over 1 year and having a variety of foods and drinks, they will not need a replacement feed.

How to overcome a breastfeeding aversion?

Get some time for yourself
If your breastfeeding aversion is triggered by the touched-outness that comes with breastfeeding, getting some personal space for yourself can help give you much-needed breathing room. Make time each day to: Go for a long walk, by yourself. Sit in a quiet room and read a book by yourself.