If the Baby Refuses to Breastfeed

If a Baby Refuses to Breast: The Real Reasons and How to Solve Them

Breastfeeding is not only a way to provide the baby with the necessary nutrients, but also an opportunity to create comfortable conditions for him, close to those he experienced in the womb. However, many mothers are faced with a situation where their baby refuses to breastfeed and cries, despite all the mother’s efforts. In this article we will look at the true reasons for this child’s behavior and how to solve them.

Errors in feeding management

The first and most common reason for a child to refuse breastfeeding is improper feeding. Violations can be caused both by the actions of the mother and by the characteristics of the child himself. Let's look at the most common mistakes.

1. Giving a pacifier instead of a breast

A pacifier can cause a baby to refuse to breastfeed. The baby enjoys sucking, but the pacifier does not provide adequate nutrition and does not develop the oral muscles necessary for successful breastfeeding. As a result, the baby may begin to refuse the breast because it does not give him the same pleasure as a pacifier.

2. Incorrect attachment to the breast

Incorrect attachment to the breast can cause pain in the child and, as a result, refusal to breastfeed. In addition, improper latching can lead to a lack of milk, as the baby does not receive enough milk during feeding.

3. Excess milk

Too much milk can cause your baby to have trouble breastfeeding because the milk comes out too quickly for him to swallow. In addition, excess milk can cause colic and bloating in the baby.

4. Mother's stress

Stress in the mother can cause the baby to refuse to breastfeed. The baby may feel the mother's stress and anxiety and, as a result, become restless and refuse to breastfeed.

How to solve breastfeeding problems

1. Correct attachment to the breast

One of the most important parts of successful breastfeeding is proper latching. The baby should suckle at the breast with the lips extended outward and the nipple deep in the mouth. This will provide him with proper nutrition and development of his mouth muscles.

2. Excess milk

Excess milk supply can be addressed by expressing milk before feeding. This will help relieve tension in the breasts and make milk come out more slowly. You can also try feeding your baby on one breast at a time to reduce the amount of milk you produce per feeding.

3. Relieving maternal stress

Stress in the mother can be relieved through various methods such as meditation, yoga, deep breathing and walks in the fresh air. It is also important to get enough sleep and find time to rest.

4. Eliminating the use of a pacifier

Eliminating the use of a pacifier and replacing it with the breast may help the baby return to breastfeeding. If your baby starts to cry, offer your breast instead of a pacifier.

5. Specialist consultation

If you continue to have problems breastfeeding, you should seek help from your doctor or lactation consultant. He will be able to give recommendations on proper breastfeeding, solve problems with excess milk and choose the optimal position when feeding.

Conclusion

A child's refusal to breastfeed can be caused by many factors, but in most cases this problem can be solved. It is important to properly organize feeding, eliminate excess milk and stress in the mother, and also get help from a specialist if problems continue. Breastfeeding is an important moment in the life of a child and his mother, so everything possible must be done to provide the child with the necessary nutrients and create a comfortable environment for him.