Breastfeeding: What to do when your baby refuses to breastfeed?

Sometimes the baby suddenly refuses to breastfeed even though he has not been weaned. This is your baby's way of reporting that something is wrong. You have to pay close attention to determine the problem.

What is the cause of the baby refusing to suckle?
Here are a few reasons why your baby refuses to breastfeed:

Sore mouth from teething, a fever in the mouth or a thrush.

Ear infections that cause discomfort or pain while feeding.

A cold or stuffy nose that makes it difficult to breathe while feeding.

Mother less milk or milk secretion slowly.

Sudden changes in breastfeeding timing or habits.

If your baby is teething and he bites you, your reaction will startle your baby, then he'll be afraid to suck.

You change the soap, shampoo ... make yourself smell different from normal.

There is a change in the taste of milk due to vitamins, drugs or hormonal changes (during menstruation or in pregnancy ...).

There are many reasons why the baby refuses to suckle like babies are uncomfortable because of teething, sickness or certain changes in the mother's body

What should mom do when the baby refuses to breastfeed?
Babies who don't breastfeed can be a problem for any mother, but with patience, you will be able to resolve it.

The time your baby stops breastfeeding can last from two to five days, or even longer. During this time, in addition to encouraging your baby to suck, you must use a breast pump or express breast milk every few hours. This will maintain the milk supply, prevent clogged milk or engorgement, and provide the baby with the necessary amount of milk. You can feed your baby with a spoon, a bottle, a drinking shift, a small utensil or a feeding syringe.

Here are some ways to get your baby to breastfeed again:

Try feeding when your baby is really sleepy. Some babies refuse to breastfeed while awake, but feed when they are sleepy.

See your doctor for medical causes such as ear infections or thrush and get advice on this.

Change positions for your baby to feel more comfortable.

Feeding while moving. Some babies find it easier to suck when you swing or carry them around.

Breastfeeding in a place with few distractions. Babies aged 6-9 months often stop breastfeeding because they have become more aware of the world. They are easily distracted and do not want to stay still for too long to fully feed, and only feed a little occasionally. Try feeding your baby in a dark, quiet room without the sound of radio or television.

Let you and your baby come into direct contact by trying to breastfeed without a shirt or bathe your baby in warm water.

It is easy to assume that if your baby does not want to breastfeed, he or she wants to wean on its own. A baby under one year old is used to drinking milk very difficult to actively give up breastmilk

The effects of your baby's refusal to breastfeed
The time your baby doesn't breastfeed can be very uncomfortable for both mothers and babies. While in the time to stop feeding, try to keep your baby's activities as normal. Care, embrace the baby more.

If you are worried that your baby is not eating enough, pay attention to the amount of wet diapers. At least five to six diapers or six to eight cloth diapers a day shows that your baby is drinking enough milk. Don't hesitate to consult your doctor if you are concerned.