What to do if the baby is not drinking breast milk?

Understanding the Situation
When a baby refuses to drink breast milk, it can be a distressing experience for both the infant and the mother. Breastfeeding is crucial for a baby’s health, especially in the first six months, as it provides all the necessary nutrients and hydration. If a baby is not drinking breast milk, it’s essential to understand the potential reasons behind this behavior and explore effective solutions.
Common Reasons for Refusal
Babies may refuse to breastfeed for various reasons. One common cause is a breastfeeding strike, where a baby suddenly refuses to nurse after previously breastfeeding well. This can happen due to factors such as illness, teething, or changes in routine. Additionally, if a mother is experiencing issues with milk supply, the baby may sense this and become frustrated, leading to refusal.
Steps to Take
1. Seek Support: If your baby is not drinking breast milk, the first step is to seek help from a lactation consultant. These professionals can provide personalized guidance and support, helping to identify any underlying issues and suggesting strategies to encourage breastfeeding.
2. Assess the Environment: Sometimes, external factors can affect a baby’s willingness to breastfeed. Ensure that the feeding environment is calm and comfortable. Reducing distractions and creating a soothing atmosphere can help the baby feel more at ease.
3. Check for Health Issues: If the refusal persists, it’s important to consult a pediatrician to rule out any health concerns. Conditions such as ear infections or oral thrush can make breastfeeding uncomfortable for the baby.
4. Experiment with Positioning: Different breastfeeding positions can make a significant difference. Trying various holds may help the baby latch better and feel more comfortable while feeding.
5. Maintain a Routine: Establishing a consistent feeding schedule can help the baby anticipate breastfeeding times. This routine can create a sense of security and encourage the baby to nurse more willingly.
6. Consider Supplementation: If the baby is not getting enough milk, it may be necessary to supplement with formula or expressed breast milk. This should be done under the guidance of a healthcare professional to ensure the baby’s nutritional needs are met.
Emotional Support for Mothers
It’s crucial for mothers to remember that they are not alone in this experience. Joining breastfeeding support groups can provide emotional support and practical advice from other mothers who have faced similar challenges.
Conclusion
While it can be concerning when a baby refuses to drink breast milk, understanding the reasons behind this behavior and taking proactive steps can help resolve the issue. Seeking professional support, ensuring a comfortable feeding environment, and maintaining a routine are key strategies to encourage breastfeeding. Remember, patience and persistence are essential, and with the right support, many mothers and babies can successfully navigate this challenge together.

Why is my baby rejecting my breast?

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.

Why is my baby not swallowing breast milk?

Factors such as prematurity, jaundice, infection, heart disease, a mother’s medicines and many others can affect a baby’s ability to stay alert or coordinate the suck-swallow-breathe actions. Other mechanical issues that may play a role include tongue-tie or a cleft lip or cleft palate.

How to fix a nursing strike?

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.

What happens if baby doesn’t drink breast milk?

For infants, not being breastfed is associated with an increased incidence of infectious morbidity, including otitis media, gastroenteritis, and pneumonia, as well as elevated risks of childhood obesity, type 1 and type 2 diabetes, leukemia, and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

How can I get my baby to drink breast milk?

The key to successful breastfeeding is the way you position and latch your baby onto the breast. You should hold the baby “tummy to tummy” so that there is no space between your body and your baby. The baby needs to be facing the breast. Please make sure not to press on the back of the baby’s head.

How do you fix a refusal breast?

Here’s what to do:

1. Keep putting your baby to your breast. Try this when your baby shows hunger signs or seems sleepy, and just after your baby wakes up.
2. Give your baby extra loving.
3. Pump or hand express your milk.
4. Try different nursing positions.
5. Nurse in a calm, quiet spot.
6. Keep your routine.
7. Visit your baby’s doctor.

Why is my baby not drinking from my breast?

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. too much milk, your baby may be struggling with the flow of milk.

Do soft breasts mean no milk?

Your breasts feel softer
This happens as your milk supply adjusts to your baby’s needs. The initial breast fullness reduces in the first few weeks. At around 6 weeks, breast fullness is completely gone and your breasts may feel soft. This is completely normal and has no effect on your milk supply.

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 do I know if my baby is having feeding difficulties?

Infants who have a feeding disorder may:

• Arch or stiffen their back during feeding.
• Suck weakly.
• Drool, gag, or cough while feeding.
• Often spit out breast milk or formula.
• Vomit.
• Feed for longer than 30 minutes.
• Not gain weight, or gain weight slowly.