#Ask expert
my baby is going to be 6 months in a week.she is denying my milk if at all she consumes it she is drinking for 3 mins to 4 mins maximum. May I know the reason?

Question

#Ask expert
 my baby is going to be 6 months in a week.she is denying my milk if at all she consumes it she is drinking for 3 mins to 4 mins maximum. May I know the reason?

Accepted Answer

It's not uncommon for babies around six months old to exhibit changes in their breastfeeding behavior. There could be several reasons why your baby is nursing for only a short period. Here are some potential explanations and solutions:

### Possible Reasons:
1. **Distraction:**
   - Around six months, babies become more aware of their surroundings and can easily get distracted during feeding.

2. **Teething:**
   - Teething can make sucking uncomfortable, leading to shorter feeding sessions.

3. **Milk Supply and Flow:**
   - Changes in your milk supply or let-down reflex might make feeding less satisfying for your baby.

4. **Growth Spurts and Developmental Changes:**
   - Babies go through growth spurts and developmental changes around this age, which can temporarily affect feeding patterns.

5. **Starting Solid Foods:**
   - If you have started introducing solids, your baby might be filling up more on solids and less interested in breast milk.

6. **Preference for Bottle Feeding:**
   - If your baby is also bottle-fed, she might develop a preference for the bottle, which can be easier to feed from.

### What You Can Do:
1. **Minimize Distractions:**
   - Feed in a quiet, dimly lit room to help your baby focus on nursing.

2. **Teething Relief:**
   - Offer teething toys or a cold, wet washcloth before feeding to soothe her gums.

3. **Monitor Milk Supply:**
   - Ensure you are staying hydrated and well-nourished. Consider techniques to boost your milk supply if needed.

4. **Offer the Breast More Frequently:**
   - Offer the breast more often, especially when your baby is calm and not overly hungry.

5. **Skin-to-Skin Contact:**
   - Increase skin-to-skin contact to encourage breastfeeding and comfort your baby.

6. **Check Latch and Positioning:**
   - Make sure your baby has a good latch and is positioned comfortably.

7. **Stay Calm and Patient:**
   - Sometimes changes are temporary. Staying calm and patient can help both you and your baby through this phase.

### When to Seek Help:
- **Weight Gain Concerns:**
   - If your baby is not gaining weight adequately or you have concerns about her nutrition, consult your pediatrician.

- **Lactation Consultant:**
   - A lactation consultant can provide personalized advice and support to address any breastfeeding challenges.

### Introducing Solids:
As your baby approaches six months, it’s also a good time to start introducing solid foods alongside breastfeeding. Start with iron-rich foods like pureed meats, iron-fortified cereals, and pureed fruits and vegetables. This can help ensure your baby gets the necessary nutrients while you continue to breastfeed.

If the issue persists or you have further concerns, consulting with your pediatrician or a lactation consultant can provide additional guidance and support.

Answer

thank you for your concern mam. it means a lot

#Ask expert my baby is going to be 6 months in a week.she is denying my milk if at all she consumes it she is drinking for 3 mins to 4 mins maximum. May I know the reason?