Nearly every part of parenthood has its ups and downs and breastfeeding is no exception. While it can be beautiful and rewarding, it is suddenly tough when your baby refuses the breast. It can be frustrating and disheartening. Just remember, you are not alone and there are strategies for overcoming the challenge of breast refusal.
This blog post will dive into the solutions to help you overcome this hurdle and get your breastfeeding journey back on track.
Understanding the Reasons for Breast Refusal
First, there are several reasons why a baby might refuse the breast, and it is important to understand where baby may be coming from in his or her refusal.
Painful latch: If your baby is experiencing pain while latching, they may refuse to breastfeed.
Tongue-tie or lip-tie: These conditions can make it difficult for your baby to latch properly and you may need to pursue treatment.
Illness: Do you lose your appetite when sick? Baby is no different. If your he or she is sick, they may be less interested in breastfeeding.
Distractions: Noise, light, or other distractions can interfere with breastfeeding. If you are trying to nurse with a cover, this can sometimes be problematic for baby’s attention also.
Stress or Overwhelm: Both you and your baby can experience stress, which can impact breastfeeding. It can impact baby’s ability to latch and your milk production.
Tips for Overcoming Breast Refusal
Identifying the possible cause of the issue can set you on track for which solution will help you overcome the obstacle.
Consult a Lactation Consultant: A lactation consultant can assess your baby’s latch and offer personalized advice.
Skin-to-Skin Contact: Spend quality time skin-to-skin with your baby. The direct physical contact can help calm them and encourage them to latch.
Try Different Positions: Experiment with different breastfeeding positions to find what works best for you and your baby.
Express Milk: If your baby is refusing the breast, you can express milk and feed it to them with a bottle or syringe or small spoon. With clean hands, you can even try using your pinky finger dipped in milk to feed baby.
Avoid Pacifiers: Using a pacifier can interfere with breastfeeding if your baby is already struggling with nursing.
Be Patient: Be patient and persistent. It may take time for your baby to adjust.
Tips for Returning To Breast after Bottle
Choose the Right Time: Try to breastfeed your baby when he or she is calm and relaxed, such as before a nap or bedtime.
Start Slowly: Begin by offering the breast for short periods, gradually increasing the duration as your baby gets used to it.
Express Milk and Offer It: Expressing some milk and offering it to your baby using a syringe, a spoon, or your finger as you hold them skin to skin can help them associate the taste of breast milk with your breast.
Be Patient: It may take several attempts for your baby to adjust to breastfeeding once he or she has taken to feeding from a bottle. Don’t get discouraged.
Hygeia Health: Supporting Your Breastfeeding Journey
At Hygeia Health, we know challenges like breast refusal are real for both first-time and seasoned mothers. Our high-quality breast pumps are designed to make pumping easier and more efficient so that, in the end, you have a way to get your one-of-a-kind milk to your baby.
To apply for a free breast pump, simply visit our website and fill out the application form. We’ll review your application and contact you with the next steps.
Remember, you’re not alone. With patience, persistence, and the right support, you can overcome breast refusal and enjoy the benefits of breastfeeding.