How to deal with breast refusal!?

1 Answer

ExpertSHRUTI KANCHANLactation Educator and Counselor2 years ago

A. Great job on reaching out for help with breast refusal! It's completely normal for babies to go through periods of refusing the breast, but there are many strategies and tips that can help you and your little one overcome this challenge. Keep trying different positions and techniques, and don't forget to seek support from your healthcare provider and lactation consultant. It's important to remember that breastfeeding can be a learning process for both you and your baby, and with patience and persistence, you can establish a successful nursing relationship. here are a few tips and techniques to encourage a baby who is refusing the breast to nurse: 1. Try different positions: Some babies prefer certain nursing positions over others. Experiment with different positions like the cradle position, football hold, or lying down and see if baby responds better to one of them. 2. Skin-to-skin contact: Place baby skin-to-skin with mom or dad, without a shirt on, and see if that makes them more interested in nursing. 3. Eliminate distractions: Nursing in a quiet space with minimal distractions can help keep baby focused on nursing. 4. Stay calm: If baby senses tension or frustration from mom or dad, they may be less likely to want to nurse. Practice some deep breathing exercises or find a way to relax before attempting to nurse. 5. Offer a little milk before the full feed: Offer baby a small amount of breastmilk before attempting a full feed to help stimulate their interest. 6. Seek support: If baby continues to refuse the breast, reach out to a lactation consultant, pediatrician, or breastfeeding support group for additional guidance and support.