#asktheexpert my baby is not latching the mothers milk

1 Answer

POOJA KOTHARIMom of a 8 yr 6 m old boy9 months ago

A. If your baby is not latching onto your breast, it can be frustrating, but there are several things you can try to help encourage breastfeeding: 1. Check Positioning: Ensure that the baby is in a comfortable position. The baby’s head, neck, and body should be aligned, and their mouth should be facing your nipple. Try holding the baby in different positions, such as the cradle hold, cross-cradle hold, or side-lying position. 2. Stimulate the Nipple: Gently rub the baby's lips with your nipple to encourage them to open their mouth. Try expressing a small amount of milk by hand or with a pump before offering the breast to help the baby latch onto milk more easily. 3. Calm the Baby: Make sure the baby isn’t too fussy or distracted. Sometimes, swaddling the baby or using a soothing technique like gentle rocking can help them calm down and focus on feeding. 4. Skin-to-Skin Contact: Spend time with your baby in skin-to-skin contact. This can help stimulate breastfeeding instincts and may make your baby more willing to latch. 5. Ensure You Have Milk Flow: If the milk supply is low, consider pumping a little to ensure there’s enough milk available for the baby when they latch. 6. Consult a Lactation Consultant: If you’re still having difficulty, seeking help from a lactation consultant can provide tailored advice and guidance. Sometimes, babies may have latch issues due to tongue tie or other factors that can be resolved with professional support. 7. Consider Bottle Feeding: If the baby continues to refuse the breast, you can express milk and feed it to the baby using a bottle as an interim solution until they are more willing to latch. Remember, it’s important to remain patient and calm during this time, as both you and your baby are learning to breastfeed. If issues persist, don't hesitate to reach out to a healthcare provider for further guidance.