Breastfeeding is a beautiful and much-awaited experience, and more so by new mothers. However, this much-awaited experience is not without its difficulties. You may find that your newborn baby cannot learn to breastfeed or older babies who had no problem breastfeeding before suddenly stop. Such situations can be stressful for a mother and sometimes even take it personally that your baby refuses your breastmilk. More often than not, as stated in the Yamo Baby Blog, there is always a good reason why your baby refuses your breastmilk and finding out why it is the way to go. This way, you can encourage and support them and, with time, continue your breastfeeding role in their life. Here are some of these reasons.
You Have Started Breastfeeding Or Are Pregnant
Ideally, you may resume your menstrual cycle when you are still breastfeeding. Additionally, it is possible to get pregnant when your baby is still breastfeeding. If pregnant or on your periods, you will realize that your baby will get fussy when feeding and even hate the breast milk. That is because of the hormonal changes that may affect the taste of the milk. Therefore, your baby will not enjoy it as they did before, thus resisting it. In this case, consult your pediatrician on other recommendable ways of feeding during your periods or when you get pregnant.
The Flow Rate Of Your Milk
For the first two weeks after birth, most mothers have a steady flow of milk. Therefore, the baby will get enough milk without having to struggle to suck. However, when the current gets established, the baby may refuse to feed since they might have to suck a lot to get the same amount of milk. If you realize that the baby feeds for a few minutes, stops and looks angry, it may be because your flow has slowed down. You may try gently squeezing the breast when they are breastfeeding or moving to the other chest. Move your hands to different parts of the breast when they are sucking to help drain the milk ducts.
Many Distractions When They Are Feeding
From the age of three to six months, your baby is easily distracted by anything that comes around them. In some cases, it may be taken to mean that your baby is vigilant. However, if not careful, it may affect your baby’s feeding. Therefore, when it is time to breastfeed, ensure that there are no distractions around. Breastfeeding in a dark room or when the baby is sleepy can help you keep off distractions. Wearing a colored collar or giving the baby a toy to remember when they are feeding will help keep their concentration on the breast until full.
Your Breasts Are Clogged
If your baby is sleeping for longer hours, it is possible to feel your breasts getting clogged. Typically, the breasts will adjust as they get used to the new baby’s feeding habit. However, if this continues for long, your breasts may get clogged, making it hard for the baby to breastfeed. In this case, you can consider expressing to help maintain your supply and relieve any possible pain. That will also help you reduce the risk of mastitis. The expressed milk can then be given to the baby later, for instance, with a small cup.
Your Baby Is Overstimulated And Has Had Lots Of Other Foods
After some time, it is possible that your baby gets tired or overstimulated from breastfeeding and thus start resisting your breast. In this case, you can try skin-to-skin contact as this will help them calm down and get back to breastfeeding. On the other hand, if your baby is above six months, they might be taking a lot of solid food or baby formulae. In this case, your baby will lose appetite for breast milk. If you feel that this is why your baby is resisting your breast milk, you can reduce the intake of solid foods and increase your breastfeeding rate.
Breastfeeding Position
The position where you are feeding your baby may be the reason why they are resisting your breast. For instance, if the baby has recently had a vaccination, that arm or leg may be sore and thus painful when lying on that side. Therefore, try changing the position to take off the pressure. Additionally, if there is a specific way in which the baby is used to staying when breastfeeding, stick to it whenever it is feeding time.
Are you frustrated that your baby is not taking your breastmilk? Worry no more as there may be a specific reason for this. Use the information above to help you identify the cause and make your breast your baby’s favorite food.