What to Do If Your Baby Refuses to Breastfeed: Causes and Solutions. Dr. Narmin Azizova
| Possible Causes | What to Do |
|---|---|
| The baby may be ill | If the baby is showing signs of poor appetite, fever, fatigue, or general discomfort, it is essential to consult a doctor. For example, babies with ear infections may refuse to breastfeed. |
| Nasal congestion | Instilling a few drops of saline solution (physiologic serum) into the nostrils before each feeding can relieve nasal congestion and help the baby breastfeed more comfortably. |
| Sores or thrush in the mouth | Mouth ulcers or oral thrush can cause pain while sucking. Use the medication prescribed by your doctor and maintain good oral hygiene. |
| Baby is too weak or premature | If the baby cannot suck effectively, express breast milk and feed it with a spoon or small cup until the baby is strong enough to breastfeed. |
| Delayed breastfeeding due to postnatal separation | Skin-to-skin contact and regular, patient attempts at breastfeeding can help re-establish the bond and promote feeding. |
| Stress | Maternal stress can be transferred to the baby. Create a quiet, calm, and peaceful environment during breastfeeding. The mother should relax beforehand, and supportive people around her can help ease the process. |
| Separation from the mother due to work or illness | Express breast milk and feed it with a spoon or cup. Regular expressing and offering breast milk can help maintain or increase supply. |
| Incorrect breastfeeding position or blocked milk ducts | Gently express some milk before feeding and try spoon feeding first, followed by direct breastfeeding. Skin-to-skin contact and frequent nursing will support the process. |
| Nipple confusion from bottle-feeding | Stop bottle-feeding if possible. Express breast milk and offer it with a spoon or cup, then gradually reintroduce breastfeeding. |
| Introducing additional liquids or formula | Do not offer water, sugary drinks, or formula. Exclusive breastfeeding is recommended to prevent nipple confusion and maintain milk supply. |
| Strong-smelling foods in the mother’s diet | Foods like garlic, onions, and spicy dishes can alter the taste of breast milk. The mother may express milk to remove the affected portion, and the new milk will return to its usual taste. Adjusting diet can help reduce baby’s discomfort. |
| Milk flow issues (too fast or too slow) | If milk flows too quickly or too slowly, the baby may become overwhelmed or frustrated. Express a little milk before breastfeeding to regulate flow. Feed frequently and based on the baby’s demand. Avoid overdressing the baby while nursing. |
| Hormonal changes due to new pregnancy | If the mother becomes pregnant while breastfeeding, changes in milk taste due to pregnancy hormones may cause the baby to refuse to nurse. Consult your doctor in such cases. |
Narmin Azizova, the founder of Pediatriya.az