Why does my baby cry and refuse the breast?

Understanding Why Your Baby Cries and Refuses the Breast
When a baby cries and refuses to breastfeed, it can be a distressing experience for both the infant and the parent. This behavior, often referred to as a “nursing strike,” can stem from a variety of factors that may not be immediately apparent. Understanding these reasons can help parents navigate this challenging phase.
Physical Discomfort or Pain
One of the primary reasons a baby may cry and refuse the breast is physical discomfort. This could be due to issues such as teething, ear infections, or gastrointestinal discomfort. Babies are sensitive to changes in their bodies, and any pain can lead to fussiness and a reluctance to nurse. If a baby is experiencing discomfort, they may associate breastfeeding with that pain, leading to a refusal to latch on.
Feeding Preferences and Flow Issues
Another common reason for breast refusal is related to the flow of milk. If a mother’s let-down reflex is too forceful, the baby may struggle to manage the flow, leading to choking or gagging. Conversely, if the milk flow is too slow, the baby might become frustrated and cry out of hunger. Babies can develop preferences for one breast over the other based on these experiences, which can complicate breastfeeding.
Nipple Confusion
Introducing bottles or pacifiers can sometimes lead to nipple confusion, where the baby becomes accustomed to the different sucking mechanism required for these alternatives. This can make it difficult for them to latch onto the breast effectively. If a baby has been given a bottle frequently, they may prefer it due to the ease of feeding, leading to a refusal of the breast.
Emotional Factors and Environmental Changes
Babies are also sensitive to their emotional environment. Changes in routine, stress in the household, or even a new caregiver can affect a baby’s willingness to breastfeed. They may cry as a way to express their discomfort with these changes. Additionally, if a mother is feeling anxious or stressed, this can impact the breastfeeding experience, as babies can pick up on their caregiver’s emotions.
Strategies to Encourage Breastfeeding
If your baby is refusing the breast, there are several strategies you can employ to encourage them to return to breastfeeding. Creating a calm and comfortable environment can help soothe the baby. Skin-to-skin contact is also beneficial, as it can promote bonding and comfort. Additionally, trying different breastfeeding positions or offering the breast when the baby is drowsy may help them latch more easily.
In conclusion, while it can be concerning when a baby cries and refuses to breastfeed, understanding the underlying reasons can empower parents to address the issue effectively. By being attentive to the baby’s needs and making adjustments as necessary, many parents find that their little ones return to breastfeeding successfully.

Why does my baby cry and pull off the breast?

When a baby is getting too much milk too quickly, he may back off the breast and pop off. If your baby is doing this, consider yourself lucky. Another way babies cope with too much milk is to clamp! A baby popping on and off for this reason often seems to always be backing away from the milk as if trying to escape.

Why is my baby suddenly refusing one breast?

Sometimes a baby absolutely refuses to feed from one breast for some reason. It could be because the flow is slower or too fast on that side. A baby may have a physical issue that makes feeding on that side uncomfortable. (In this case, changing your position may help.)

Why does my baby scream and cry when I try to breastfeed?

Sometimes babies will refuse or fuss at a breast when the let-down is slower or too forceful, or the supply a bit lower. They in turn will prefer the side which lets down more/less quickly and in which the supply is more bountiful.

Why is my baby screaming and refusing breasts?

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.

Why does my baby act hungry but won’t latch?

If you know your baby is hungry, but he can’t seem to latch on or simply won’t take the breast, there are various possible explanations, such as: Your milk supply has decreased and your milk doesn’t flow fast enough for your baby. Your baby increasingly prefers the bottle, which flows faster.

What to do if baby is crying and won’t latch?

What you can 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.

What causes a baby to refuse breastfeeding?

It could be from a cold, ear infection, stuffy nose, upset stomach, injury, teething, thrush, cold sore, or other reasons. Your baby is upset. Maybe there is a big change in nursing routine, you were apart for a long time, or your baby’s environment is uncomfortable. Your baby is distracted.

How do I stop my baby from rejecting my breasts?

It is important that you stay calm during this time.

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.
5. If your baby has a sore mouth, you can try giving them frozen expressed milk in a clean cloth or muslin.

Why is my baby crying and not nursing?

Stress or distraction. Overstimulation, delayed feedings or a long separation from you might cause fussiness and difficulty nursing. A strong reaction from you to being bitten during breastfeeding might have the same effect. Sometimes a baby is simply too distracted to breastfeed.

How do you fix a baby breastfeeding aversion?

Try breastfeeding baby after a bath when they are warm and relaxed (if your baby likes baths). You could try playing with your baby on the floor while you are bare from the waist up. After some time gradually offer your breast. Anticipate your baby’s waking time and lift them to feed while still sleepy.