I'm a mother of 5months old.
my baby doesn't drink my milk only. she only prefers formula milk
please suggest what to be done

Question

I'm a mother of 5months old.
 my baby doesn't drink my milk only. she only prefers formula milk
 please suggest what to be done

Accepted Answer

It's not uncommon for some babies to have preferences, such as favoring formula milk over breast milk. There could be several reasons behind this, and there are a few strategies you can try to help your baby accept breast milk:

1. Try Different Feeding Positions:

Sometimes, babies have preferences for how they are held or positioned during breastfeeding. Experiment with different positions, like the cradle hold, football hold, or side-lying position, to see if your baby is more comfortable or willing to latch.

2. Skin-to-Skin Contact:

Spending some time skin-to-skin with your baby can help increase your milk supply and make your baby more comfortable with breastfeeding. It also promotes bonding, which might help your baby feel more secure and willing to breastfeed.

3. Gradual Transition:

If your baby prefers formula, try to slowly reduce the amount of formula over time and offer breast milk more frequently. You can start by introducing small amounts of breast milk in a bottle, and then gradually increase it. Some babies respond well to the gradual transition.

4. Try Different Bottles/Nipples:

If you are offering breast milk in a bottle, the nipple type can make a difference. Some babies have a preference for certain shapes or flow rates, so try experimenting with different bottles or nipples designed for breastfeeding babies.

5. Express Your Milk:

If direct breastfeeding is a challenge, you can try expressing milk using a breast pump and feed it to your baby in a bottle. This allows your baby to still receive your breast milk while adjusting to breastfeeding.

6. Increase Milk Supply:

Make sure you're producing enough milk by nursing or pumping frequently. You can try lactation-boosting foods like oats, fenugreek, and blessed thistle, or consider talking to a lactation consultant for personalized advice.

7. Offer Breast Milk When Baby is Sleepy:

Sometimes, babies are more likely to latch when they are sleepy or relaxed. Try offering the breast when your baby is drowsy or just waking up, as they may be more willing to latch.

8. Stay Calm and Patient:

It's important to stay patient. Babies can pick up on frustration or stress, and this can make them even less willing to nurse. Keep trying, and gradually your baby may get used to breastfeeding again.

9. Consult a Lactation Consultant:

If you're still having trouble, a lactation consultant can provide tailored support and guidance to help overcome any challenges you're facing with breastfeeding.

Ultimately, it's important to remember that fed is best. While breastfeeding is ideal, formula feeding is a great alternative if breastfeeding isn't working for you or your baby. However, if you're keen to continue offering breast milk, these tips might help encourage your baby to return to breastfeeding.

I'm a mother of 5months old. my baby doesn't drink my milk only. she only prefers formula milk please suggest what to be done