My 5and half months old is rubbing her one ear whenever I tried to breastfeed her, resisting feeding though Usually she prefers breastfeeding. What’s the cause and please suggest any solution

Question

Accepted Answer

It sounds like your baby may be experiencing discomfort or pain in her ear, which is causing her to resist breastfeeding and rub her ear. Here are some possible causes and steps you can take:

### Possible Causes

1. **Ear Infection:** This is a common cause of ear pain in infants. Ear infections can be painful, especially when sucking or swallowing during breastfeeding.
   
2. **Teething:** Teething can sometimes cause referred pain in the ear due to the shared nerve pathways.

3. **Earwax Buildup:** Excessive earwax can cause discomfort or a feeling of fullness in the ear.

### Steps to Take

1. **Consult Your Pediatrician:** Since your baby is showing signs of discomfort and resisting feeding, it's important to have her evaluated by a pediatrician. They can examine her ears to check for signs of infection or other issues.

2. **Comfort Measures:**
   - **Offer Comforting Techniques:** Hold and comfort your baby in a soothing manner. Sometimes, gentle rocking or holding in an upright position can alleviate discomfort.
   - **Check Positioning:** Ensure that your baby is positioned comfortably during breastfeeding. A different nursing position or angle might reduce pressure on the ear.

3. **Address Teething Discomfort:** If teething is contributing to the discomfort, offer a teething toy or gently massage her gums with a clean finger to provide relief.

4. **Manage Ear Infections:** If diagnosed with an ear infection, follow your pediatrician’s recommendations for treatment, which may include antibiotics if necessary.

5. **Monitor Feeding:** Keep an eye on her feeding patterns and ensure she stays adequately hydrated. If she continues to resist feeding, offer expressed breast milk or formula as needed.

### When to Seek Immediate Medical Attention

- If your baby develops a fever.
- If there is drainage or fluid coming from the ear.
- If she appears to be in severe pain or distress.

Always trust your instincts as a parent. If you are concerned about your baby's condition or if symptoms worsen, don’t hesitate to contact your pediatrician promptly for further evaluation and guidance.

Answer

Namaste MOm,

At times what happens is that the breast  milk while feeding enters the ears, and hence this could also occur which giving bath,
Get it examined to be in a safer side