Baby refusing to breastfeed

It can often be an upsetting and frustrating experience when your baby refuses to take your breast.  You may have been breastfeeding your baby for months but if they refuse to suckle you might be concerned as to what is wrong. If your baby doesn’t want to take your breast you should remain calm and try not to worry as it may be down to a number of reasons. For one, sometimes babies do not breastfeed because they may be ready for solids and are not so interested in having their milk intake. 

What are the reasons for babies refusing to breastfeed?

There are various reasons why babies refuse to breastfeed, as described below:

• Your baby may be teething which can in turn put them off drinking from the breast.
• Your milk supply may have reduced and your baby cannot get enough milk.
• Your baby may have an ear infection which can often make breastfeeding a painful experience for them.
• Background noises or disruptions can prevent breastfeeding.
• Sometimes events in your household such as moving house and a change of environment can deter your baby from breastfeeding.
• If your baby has a cold or fever they may not feel like feeding.
• You may have a condition called mastitis which is an inflammation of the breast that can affect the taste of your breast milk.
• You may be overtired and overstressed which is affecting your milk supply.
• You may be pregnant again and which will affect the taste of your milk.
• Your babies feeding pattern may be changing.
• A recent immunisation can temporarily put your baby off feeding.
• Your baby may be experiencing attachment problems latching onto the breast.

What should I look out for if my baby starts refusing to breastfeed?

You should look out for the following factors in establishing whether your baby has gone on a ‘breast strike’, as described below:

• How many feeds is your baby refusing in 24 hours?

The number of feeds your baby needs as they grow up changes; in some cases your baby might just be reducing the number of feeds that they need. However, it is important to monitor how many feeds your baby is missing during the day. If the problem persists you could consult a health visitor or alternatively you could discuss concerns with your GP.

• How many wet nappies does your baby have in 24 hours?

Monitoring how many wet nappies your baby has during the day can help to identify if there is a medical related reason why your baby is not breastfeeding. It could be that your baby has an infection and you may notice that the baby’s urine is darker than normal. If this is the case you can visit your GP who will be able to offer further advice on what medication is best.

What can I do to get my baby back to breastfeeding?

There are a number of things you could do to get your baby back to breastfeeding, as described below:

• Try to be as patient as you can and don’t force your baby to take the breast if they do not want it.  Forcing your baby to take the breast may make the situation worse and he/she may feel more upset. Wait until they settle down and are in a happier mood before trying again.

• Talking to a breastfeeding specialist or health visitor about your problem may be a good idea as they will be able to offer helpful tips. Some breastfeeding clubs can aid in helping you to overcome the problem and you can share stories with other mothers.

• Try to find a quiet space to feed your baby away from the hustle and bustle. Perhaps try feeding in your bedroom where it is quiet to ensure your baby is not distracted by background noise. This can help to settle your baby down.

• Visit your doctor if you feel that your baby is not breastfeeding due to a medical related problem, to ensure any illness is identified and treated at the earliest possible time. This will ensure that your baby doesn’t become dehydrated if they are hungry but unable to feed.

• Try breastfeeding your baby after they have a nice warm bath to help calm and relax them.

• Try to express some milk into your baby’s mouth to encourage him/her to feed.

• Try to soothe your baby with a dummy as this may help to calm your baby down and get him back to the breast by way of the suckling motion

• Try offering your breast at times when your baby feels more sleepy and more likely to have a good feed before they fall asleep

• You could try alternating breasts and offering your other breast in a different position if your baby is reluctant to feed

Final Tips for Mothers with Babies on a ‘Breast Strike’

Try to remember that this may be a temporary breastfeeding strike and your baby will be back to normal in no time happily feeding away. Try to encourage your baby with the methods mentioned above and if you are still having trouble visit your doctor, who will be able to give advice on establishing breastfeeding techniques.