This is why your baby is refusing to breastfeed
The journey of breastfeeding can come with its challenges, and one of the most concerning for new parents is when their baby starts to refuse the breast. In this blog post, we will explore the three primary reasons this might happen and offer suggestions to address each situation.
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1. Hunger Signals: Understanding Your Baby’s Needs
One of the most common reasons a baby might refuse the breast is simply because they are not hungry. As parents, we often misinterpret their cues, thinking it’s feeding time when in fact, they might need something else. If your baby is crying and rejecting the breast, it’s crucial to respect their signals. Remember, a crying baby rarely latches on. Instead, focus on calming your baby first—consider putting them to sleep or holding them close. A comforting method is to place them belly to belly with you, tuck their arm under yours, bounce, shush, and pat until they’re calm. Once they’ve had a sleep cycle, try offering the breast again, as it usually makes a significant difference.
2. Flow Issues: Balancing Milk Supply and Demand
Another key reason for refusal can be flow issues with milk supply. Babies accustomed to bottle feeds might find the breast’s flow too slow, particularly if the bottle’s flow is faster. To solve this, you can either slow down the flow from the bottle or work on increasing the breast’s flow. If your baby is receiving more than two bottles a day, it’s essential to maintain your supply. Consider pumping each time your baby is given a bottle feed. A quick and effective strategy is power pumping for three nights in a row, which can boost your supply. If successful, include power pumping once or twice a week to help your baby transition smoothly between breast and bottle. For more detailed steps, you might consult resources on power pumping techniques.
3. Managing an Overactive Let-Down
When the milk flow is too fast, breastfeeding can become stressful rather than soothing for a baby, leading to breast refusal. To tackle this, consider seeking professional help to determine if there’s a latch problem, a milk transfer issue, or if an overproduction of milk is the root of the problem. These may require specific strategies to manage, ensuring a more comfortable feeding experience for your baby.
In conclusion, understanding the reasons behind breast refusal can transform your breastfeeding journey. By addressing hunger needs, managing milk flow, and seeking support when overwhelmed, you can create a nurturing environment conducive to successful breastfeeding. Remember, every baby is different, and persistence coupled with a little trial and error is often key to finding what works best for you and your baby. If you have questions or need more support, feel free to leave comments—we’re here to help and support each other.
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If you need more support
I lead a team of Registered Nurses and Nurse Practitioners around the globe, who share my programs and who I personally mentor.
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Carrie Bruno RN, IBCLC, MSCP