my daughter 3 and half month old is now a days latching only one side. she refuses the milk from other. Even I changed the feeding position..Then also she refuses and crying when offering the other. What should I do ?

Question

Accepted Answer

It's common for babies to prefer one breast over the other at times, but it can also be frustrating for both mother and baby. Since your daughter is three and a half months old and is latching only on one side, there could be a few possible reasons for this behavior:

1. Comfort or Preference: Babies may develop a preference for one breast due to comfort. This could be because one side may be easier to latch onto or the milk flow may be faster on that side.

2. Milk Flow Issues: Sometimes, if there is a slower milk flow on one side, the baby may get frustrated and refuse to latch. If the other breast produces less milk or is engorged, your baby might avoid it.

3. Nipple Confusion: If your baby has been exposed to bottles or pacifiers, there could be nipple confusion, making it difficult for her to latch onto one side.

4. Teething or Oral Issues: Though it's a little early for teething at 3.5 months, some babies experience discomfort in their gums which could make sucking on one side painful. It’s also possible that there could be an issue with her oral development, such as a tongue tie or a lip tie, which may cause difficulty when trying to latch properly.

Tips to Encourage Latching on the Other Side:

Offer the other breast when she is calm: If she is crying and frustrated, she may not latch well. Try to offer the second breast when she’s calm and relaxed, perhaps right after a burping break or when she’s less hungry.

Switch sides frequently: Try offering the less-preferred side first when your baby is hungrier or more alert. This can help her get used to both sides equally.

Try different feeding positions: Experiment with different feeding positions such as the football hold or cradle hold to see if she prefers one over the other.

Express milk first: If the milk flow on the other side is slow or the breast feels engorged, try expressing a little milk first to make it flow faster and more appealing to her.

Stay patient: At this stage, some babies naturally start favoring one breast. With time and patience, she may gradually start latching on both sides.

If this issue persists or you notice any discomfort or pain while feeding, it would be a good idea to consult a lactation consultant or pediatrician. They can assess if there are any underlying issues like tongue tie or other concerns that might be contributing to the refusal.