#asktheexpert
why my 4 month baby is not drinking breast milk properly? he always gets easily distracted. he only drinks properly while he is sleeping.

Question

#asktheexpert 
why my 4 month baby is not drinking breast milk properly? he always gets easily distracted. he only drinks properly while he is sleeping.

Accepted Answer

It’s not uncommon for a 4-month-old to experience issues with breastfeeding, and it could be due to a variety of reasons. Here are some possible explanations and tips that might help:

Distraction: At 4 months, babies become more curious about their surroundings and may get distracted easily while breastfeeding. Try creating a calm, quiet environment without too many distractions to help him focus on feeding.

Teething: If your baby is beginning to teeth, his gums may be sore, which can make sucking uncomfortable. Gently massaging his gums or offering a cold teething ring before a feed may help.

Slow milk flow: If the milk flow is slow, babies may get frustrated and unlatch. You can try hand expressing a little milk before feeding to stimulate the flow.

Positioning: Sometimes, adjusting the breastfeeding position can help. Make sure your baby is latched on properly, as improper latch can cause them to disconnect easily.

Sleepiness: Some babies may only feed well when they’re sleepy or relaxed. You could try offering breast milk when your baby is drowsy but not fully asleep, to help him focus on the feeding.

If the issue persists or you’re concerned, it might be worth discussing with a lactation consultant or pediatrician to ensure there are no underlying issues like a tongue tie or reflux.

#asktheexpert why my 4 month baby is not drinking breast milk properly? he always gets easily distracted. he only drinks properly while he is sleeping.