What should I do if my baby dont want to breastfeed?

Understanding the Situation
When a baby refuses to breastfeed, it can be a distressing experience for both the infant and the parent. This phenomenon, often referred to as a “breastfeeding strike,” can occur for various reasons, and understanding these can help in addressing the issue effectively.
Common Reasons for Refusal
One of the primary reasons a baby might refuse to breastfeed is that they have become accustomed to bottle-feeding. This transition can lead to a preference for the ease of a bottle, making breastfeeding less appealing. Additionally, factors such as teething pain can also contribute to a baby’s reluctance to latch on, as the discomfort may make them less willing to engage in breastfeeding.
Other potential causes include changes in the mother’s milk supply, which can fluctuate due to stress, illness, or hormonal changes. If a baby senses that the milk flow is not as robust as before, they may become frustrated and refuse to nurse.
Steps 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. Limit Bottle Use: If your baby is used to bottle-feeding, consider reducing the frequency of bottle feeds for a few days. This can help them regain interest in breastfeeding.
2. Create a Comfortable Environment: Ensure that both you and your baby are in a calm and comfortable setting. Sometimes, distractions or discomfort can lead to refusal.
3. Experiment with Timing: Try breastfeeding when your baby is sleepy or just waking up, as they may be more willing to latch on during these times.
4. Express Milk: If you feel uncomfortably engorged, you can express some milk and offer it to your baby in a cup or spoon. This can help maintain your milk supply while also providing your baby with nourishment.
5. Address Teething Discomfort: If teething is suspected, offering a cold teething ring before feeding can soothe your baby’s gums and make them more receptive to breastfeeding.
When to Seek Help
If your baby continues to refuse breastfeeding despite trying these strategies, it may be beneficial to consult a pediatrician or a lactation consultant. They can provide personalized advice and support, helping to identify any underlying issues that may be contributing to the refusal.
Conclusion
While a baby refusing to breastfeed can be challenging, understanding the reasons behind this behavior and employing practical strategies can often help resolve the situation. Remember, you are not alone in this experience, and seeking support is always a positive step.

Why is my baby not interested in breastfeeding?

Reasons baby might be refusing the breast
The parent’s milk doesn’t taste the same. They might have been taking medicine or because of hormonal changes (like getting their period) The parent has changed breastfeeding patterns. There has been a period of separation.

How to fix baby breastfeeding aversion?

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.

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 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 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.

What to do when baby loses interest in breastfeeding?

Don’t take it personally! Comfort your baby, and keep offering your breast. Before long, your baby will start nursing again. If they don’t, reach out to your WIC breastfeeding staff for tips and support.

How do I get my baby back to breastfeeding?

Re-lactation is typically achieved through a combination of skin-to-skin contact with the baby and breast stimulation either through a latching baby and/or pumping every two to three hours day and night, which mimics how often a baby feeds.

Why is my baby suddenly rejecting the breast?

Nursing strikes can be caused by a number of different things. Most nursing strikes occur as a result of illness (such as an ear infection), teething or the mother’s reaction to biting. However, breast refusal is also common in newborns who are not experiencing any of these issues.

How long does feeding aversion last?

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.

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.