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| Refusal To Breast Feed |
pull away from the breast, then toss his head from side to side. This can happen at anytime, so there
really is no way to predict it happening.
Reasons why
Refusal to feed from the breast could occur when the baby is in pain. Normally, this can be due to an
ear infection, sore head from vacuum delivery, thrush in the baby's mouth, or teething.
The use of dummies, teats or nipple shields may also contribute to refusal. Some babies actually find
it difficult to feed from the breast and bottle as the sucking action is very different. Some become
confused, therefore it's always best to avoid using any type of teats or dummies.
Sometimes, the milk just takes bitter. This can be due to antibiotics, if you starting or in the
middle of your period, or nipple creams. If the milk tastes bitter, your baby will normally not
want to feed.
ear infection, sore head from vacuum delivery, thrush in the baby's mouth, or teething.
The use of dummies, teats or nipple shields may also contribute to refusal. Some babies actually find
it difficult to feed from the breast and bottle as the sucking action is very different. Some become
confused, therefore it's always best to avoid using any type of teats or dummies.
Sometimes, the milk just takes bitter. This can be due to antibiotics, if you starting or in the
middle of your period, or nipple creams. If the milk tastes bitter, your baby will normally not
want to feed.
Solving the problems
First, you should always try to identify what may have caused the breast refusal then begin to treat
the cause. Always remain patient and gentle with your baby. Be sure to hold your baby next to you,
skin to skin, so that he can take the breast when he wants to, so that he begins to realize that
breast feeding is both enjoyable and comfortable.
Older babies may suddenly take shorter and fewer breast feeds, although this can be normal with
some babies. Therefore, it's always best not to try and make the baby feed longer, but instead let
the baby decide how often and also how long each individual feeding will last.
the cause. Always remain patient and gentle with your baby. Be sure to hold your baby next to you,
skin to skin, so that he can take the breast when he wants to, so that he begins to realize that
breast feeding is both enjoyable and comfortable.
Older babies may suddenly take shorter and fewer breast feeds, although this can be normal with
some babies. Therefore, it's always best not to try and make the baby feed longer, but instead let
the baby decide how often and also how long each individual feeding will last.
