Why is my baby rejecting breast milk?

Understanding Breast Refusal in Babies
Breastfeeding is often a natural and instinctive process, but there are times when a baby may suddenly reject breast milk. This phenomenon can be distressing for both the infant and the mother, leading to concerns about nutrition and bonding. Understanding the reasons behind this behavior is crucial for addressing the issue effectively.
Common Reasons for Breast Refusal
1. Nursing Strikes: One of the most common reasons babies refuse to breastfeed is a nursing strike. This can occur for various reasons, including teething discomfort, illness, or simply a desire for independence. During a nursing strike, a baby may refuse to latch onto the breast, which can be particularly alarming for mothers who are committed to breastfeeding.
2. Taste Changes: Babies are sensitive to changes in taste, which can be influenced by the mother’s diet or hormonal fluctuations. If a mother has recently consumed certain foods or medications, the flavor of her milk may change, leading the baby to reject it.
3. Bottle Preference: If a baby has been introduced to bottle feeding, they may develop a preference for the bottle over breastfeeding. This is often due to the ease of feeding from a bottle, where milk flows more freely compared to breastfeeding, which requires more effort.
4. Physical Discomfort: Babies may refuse to breastfeed if they are experiencing physical discomfort, such as ear infections or gastrointestinal issues. These conditions can make the act of breastfeeding uncomfortable, prompting the baby to avoid it altogether.
5. Overactive Letdown or Milk Supply Issues: An overactive letdown can overwhelm a baby, causing them to pull away from the breast. Conversely, if a mother has a low milk supply, the baby may become frustrated and refuse to nurse.
Strategies to Encourage Breastfeeding
If your baby is rejecting breast milk, there are several strategies you can employ to encourage them to return to breastfeeding:
– Maintain Milk Supply: It’s essential to continue expressing milk regularly to maintain your supply, especially if your baby is not nursing. This can be done through pumping or hand expression.
– Create a Calm Environment: Ensure that the breastfeeding environment is calm and free from distractions. Holding your baby close and skin-to-skin contact can help foster a sense of security and comfort.
– Experiment with Positions: Sometimes, changing the breastfeeding position can make a difference. Try different holds to see if your baby prefers one over another.
– Be Patient: It’s important to remain patient and not force the baby to breastfeed. Stress can exacerbate the situation, so maintaining a relaxed demeanor is key.
Conclusion
Breast refusal can be a challenging experience for mothers and their babies, but understanding the underlying reasons can help in finding effective solutions. Whether it’s a temporary nursing strike or a preference for bottle feeding, there are strategies to encourage your baby to return to breastfeeding. If concerns persist, consulting with a lactation consultant or healthcare provider can provide additional support and guidance.

What causes breast milk to decline?

Possible causes of low supply
Nearly all babies need to feed at least 8 to 12 times in 24 hours. Your baby does not feed effectively at the breast. You have started using formula milk as well as breastfeeding. You have had breast surgery that is affecting your milk supply.

How do I fix my baby’s aversion when breastfeeding?

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?

As you may have read in my other blog about a baby’s breastfeeding crisis, a breastfeeding crisis, sometimes called a growth spurt, is a common phrase used to describe a phase where mothers may encounter significant breastfeeding challenges, typically related to an increase in milk demand from the baby.

Could my breast milk be upsetting my baby?

You’ll know if your breast milk is upsetting baby if they are unusually gassy or fussy after eating. As you and your baby get acclimated to breastfeeding, you’ll learn what not to eat while breastfeeding if your baby reacts to a certain food or drink.

Why is my baby suddenly refusing breast milk?

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 keep latching and unlatching and crying?

Babies who are having trouble getting a full meal might unlatch and fuss or cry. They may also seem to “shut down” at the breast. Either way, if you have any suspicions that your baby isn’t getting enough to eat, you should speak to your doctor or a lactation consultant as soon as possible.

How to fix a nursing strike?

Try to relax and concentrate on making breastfeeding a pleasant experience. Stop and comfort your baby if he or she gets upset when you try to nurse. Extra cuddling, stroking, and skin-to-skin contact with the baby can help you re-establish closeness.

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.

How do I stop my baby from rejecting my breast?

Remain CALM and offer to nurse in a very GENTLE manner, never force your baby to the breast. You want to offer your breast in a “no pressure” sort of way. Try nursing in various positions, such as side-lying. Whenever possible, co-bathe with your baby (remove all toys and create a relaxing atmosphere).

Why does my baby cry and pull away while breastfeeding?

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.