Breastfeeding is a beautiful experience as it ensures the health of your little angel. Breast Milk is full of all the essential nutrients necessary for the healthy growth of your baby. But it is distressing for a mother when the baby is continuously refusing to breastfeed. Newborns may have difficulty latching, but sometimes older babies who have been breastfeeding for weeks refuse suddenly. Of course, it is a problematic situation for the parents.
There are different reasons behind your little one's behaviours. Try to find the reasons and fix the problem.
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Why babies refuse to breastfeed
There may be the following reasons behind the refusal of breastfeeding by your little one.
Poor latching
Most of the babies refuse to breastfeed due to poor latching. How your baby's mouth attaches to your breast is called a latch. If the baby is not latching well, her such will not be effective, and she cannot get the milk from your breast. It is more difficult for the baby when she is hungry and frustrated. In this condition, your baby will refuse to breastfeed. Your baby can get your milk correctly and sufficiently when latching your breast correctly.
Premature baby
A premature baby cannot breastfeed, as you cannot breastfeed your little angel if he is impulsive and needs to stay in hospital. For such types of babies, time is required to start breastfeeding. Babies have small mouths; therefore, some times, they cannot latch appropriately until they get some bigger. Premature babies have less energy for breastfeeding, so they may refuse to breastfeed. You can feed your premature baby with pumped breast milk until he's big enough and has enough energy to nurse at your breast.
Too full breasts
Sometimes when your breasts are too full and engorged, this makes the latching difficult for the baby and as a result, he may refuse to feed. Babies often stretch an excellent 3 to 4 hours between feeds, and sometimes, they may drop a meal, and as a result, breasts can become full to adjust the supply to meet their demand. It is difficult for babies to feed. Therefore, normalize your breasts before providing or pump some milk to keep your baby comfortable while breastfeeding.
Too fast flow
Some women have a heavy letdown; this may cause flooding or choking the baby with milk. Babies try to regulate the flow themselves; if they can't, they will refuse to breastfeed. Therefore, choose a comfortable posture while breastfeeding your baby. You can try to lay back while breastfeeding to slow the flow of milk.
Illness or teething
illness and teething can cause a small drop-down in your little one's appetite. It is normal, but he does need to keep his milk intake up through these periods. Try offering small; shorter feeds more often so as not to tire him out.
Flat nipples
Most babies can suck the milk well, even on flat nipples. But, sometimes, it is difficult for the baby to latch onto the breast. If your baby is refusing to breastfeed and you think it's because of your nipples, then you can correct flat or inverted nipples successfully in different ways and make it possible to breastfeed.
You can stimulate your nipples or use a breast pump before breastfeeding can draw them out and help your baby latch them easily.
Baby Is Sleepy
Newborns are often very sleepy in general, but sometimes the birth process and the medicines given at the time of delivery can cause even more lethargic than average. Some babies may have Jaundice or other illnesses and show a similar effect.
And, of course, a sleepy baby cannot breastfeed. You can rub her feet or back, change her diaper right before or during the feeding or unwrap her to wake your little one up.
Taste of the milk
Sometimes hormonal changes occur due to the return of the period after childbirth. Some women start taking birth control pills; all these factors can change the flavour of milk. Smoking or eating some kinds of food before breastfeeding can also change the taste of milk. If your baby dies not like this change in flavor or taste of milk, he may refuse to breastfeed. Therefore, avoid such types of foods and especially smoking.