How do you fix feeding aversion breastfeeding?

Understanding Feeding Aversion in Breastfeeding
Feeding aversion during breastfeeding is a complex and often distressing experience for many mothers. It can manifest as a strong emotional response that includes feelings of irritability, frustration, or even disgust during nursing sessions. This phenomenon is not widely discussed, yet studies suggest that it affects a significant number of breastfeeding mothers, with estimates indicating that up to one in five women may experience such aversion at some point.
Causes of Feeding Aversion
The reasons behind breastfeeding aversion can vary widely. Some mothers report that their aversion intensifies when they are breastfeeding while pregnant or when they are tandem feeding a newborn and a toddler. Additionally, external factors such as stress, fatigue, and hormonal changes can exacerbate these feelings. The emotional landscape surrounding breastfeeding is intricate; societal pressures and personal expectations can also contribute to a mother’s experience of aversion.
Strategies to Address Feeding Aversion
1. Recognizing the Emotions: The first step in addressing feeding aversion is acknowledging the feelings that arise during breastfeeding. Understanding that these emotions are valid and not uncommon can help mothers feel less isolated in their experiences.
2. Adjusting Feeding Practices: Modifying the breastfeeding routine can be beneficial. This might include limiting the duration or frequency of feedings, which can help reduce the intensity of negative feelings. Some mothers find that supplementing with formula or pumped milk allows them to maintain a more positive breastfeeding experience.
3. Creating a Comfortable Environment: Ensuring a calm and soothing environment during feeding can help mitigate feelings of aversion. This might involve dimming the lights, playing soft music, or using relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or mindfulness.
4. Engaging in Self-Care: Mothers are encouraged to prioritize self-care. Activities that promote relaxation and well-being, such as taking a warm shower, engaging in light exercise, or practicing hobbies, can help maintain a positive emotional state. Keeping oxytocin levels high through physical affection and bonding activities can also be beneficial.
5. Seeking Support: Connecting with other mothers who have experienced similar feelings can provide comfort and practical advice. Support groups, whether in-person or online, can be invaluable for sharing experiences and coping strategies.
6. Consulting Professionals: If aversion persists and significantly impacts the breastfeeding relationship, consulting a lactation consultant or a mental health professional may be necessary. They can offer tailored strategies and support to navigate this challenging experience.
Conclusion
Feeding aversion during breastfeeding is a multifaceted issue that can arise from various emotional and physical factors. By recognizing these feelings, adjusting feeding practices, and seeking support, mothers can work towards a more positive breastfeeding experience. It’s essential to remember that every breastfeeding journey is unique, and finding what works best for both mother and child is key to overcoming feeding aversion.

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.

How do you overcome bottle feeding aversion?

Soft lighting, a comfortable chair, and minimal distractions can help. Respect Your Baby’s Cues: If your baby refuses the bottle, don’t force it. Take a break and try again later. Watch for hunger cues and offer the bottle before they become overly hungry and upset.

How do I stop comfort feeding?

Allocate comfort feeds
In other words, decide if you want to stop the comfort feeds at night or during naptime feeds. Decide that you’re going to let your baby fall asleep on the breast for naps only and choose a non-sucking method for bedtime. Or vice versa. Sometimes this is all that is needed.

How do you prevent nursing bottle syndrome?

The following are suggestions to help prevent nursing caries:

1. Do not allow your child to go to bed with a bottle filled with anything but water.
2. Wean your child from the bottle in a timely manner.
3. Begin good early mouth care of the gums and teeth.
4. Give fluoride supplementation, as recommended by your child’s doctor.

What if my baby stops swallowing while breastfeeding?

Swallowing is an excellent sign that they are actually ingesting milk. If they don’t seem to be swallowing, call their pediatrician right away. (Keep in mind that you may not be able to hear your baby swallowing when they are taking small sips of colostrum in the early days, though.)

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 is the 3 month breastfeeding crisis?

The third crisis occurs after three months, at this stage the baby has much greater suction strength and will take faster feedings as he is able to empty the breasts with greater speed, that is to say, take more in less time, this period coincides with the development of their hearing and vision, that makes everything …

What age does feeding aversion start?

Food aversion can develop at any age or stage of development, but it is more commonly seen at the weaning stage or around 2-3 years of age. Aversions to breast milk and formula milk can also occur, so please do not think you are over reacting if your baby or child is refusing any type of milk or food.

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 long does it take to fix a feeding aversion?

A baby’s feeding aversion will continue while it’s reinforced. An unresolved breast- or bottle-feeding aversion increases the risk of the baby developing an aversion to eating solids for the same reasons. Feeding issues can persist for weeks, months or years.