Hey mama, how has your breastfeeding journey been so far? Maybe it’s been easy, your baby latched onto the breast straight away and it’s been (mostly) smooth sailing since then. Or maybe it’s been really challenging, you’ve had moments where you’ve almost given up. Maybe you have experienced breast refusal, where your once easy to feed, no problem baby, is now refusing to feed. This can be really discouraging and leave you feeling worried and helpless. There can be lots of different reasons your little one has decided all of a sudden that they don’t want to feed, from their developmental stage to whether they’re feeling under the weather. Understanding the root cause is the first step towards finding a solution. Let’s look at the different factors that might lead to breast refusal and explore some strategies on how to overcome these challenges.
Developmental stages and breast refusal.
Babies grow and change really rapidly in those first few months and years, and their feeding habits can shift just as quickly. One common reason for breast refusal can be as simple as your baby becoming more aware of their surroundings. This increased awareness can lead to distraction during feeding, they’ve finally discovered that the world around them is now way more interesting than the breast. Another factor may be the introduction of solids or formula, which can reduce their hunger and subsequently their interest in breastfeeding.
Baby feeling unwell?
When a baby is unwell, they may refuse the breast because they’re feeling uncomfortable or because they’re having difficulty feeding. Common illnesses like colds can get in the way of their ability to breathe easily, affecting their feeding rhythm. Earaches, sore throats, and teething pain can also make swallowing painful, which might lead to refusal. Conditions like thrush or external factors like being in a hot environment can contribute to discomfort and refusal. Overstimulation, fatigue, or pain from recent immunisations can also be factors.
Other things to consider
If your baby’s health and developmental stage don’t seem to be the issue, it’s worth having a look at other possible causes. The flow of your milk, whether too fast or too slow, can affect your baby’s willingness to feed. Reflux, allergies, or breast/bottle confusion might also be contributing factors. Changes in the taste of your breastmilk due to diet, medication, new pregnancy, or illness, as well as changes in your scent from that lovely new perfume you got, can also influence your baby’s interest in breastfeeding.
Looking at what your baby needs
It’s so important to remember that as babies grow, and as solids or formula are added to their diet, their need for breastmilk can naturally decrease. Watching your baby’s overall well being, including how content they are, how alert they are, their weight gain, their developmental milestones, and the amount of wet nappies they have in a 24 hour period (5 wet disposable nappies or 6-8 wet cloth nappies), can give you the reassurance that you need, knowing that they are getting enough.
How do I overcome breast refusal?
First it’s helpful to work out if your baby is truly experiencing breast refusal or if they are being fussy at the breast. How? Watch how your baby feeds, does your baby feed well after attaching even if you found it a little hard to attach them? A fussy baby may look like difficulty attaching (breaking away or initial short bursts of feeding) but once your baby is attached, they do feed well.
Being able to identify the cause of breast refusal is hard, which is why it’s so important to not tackle this on your own. Find a professional you trust or a lactation consultant (like me!) to go on this journey with you. Together, we can determine why your baby is refusing the breast and explore different strategies tailored to you and your baby’s specific situation. If your baby is unwell, addressing their health needs or waiting for recovery may be necessary. For developmental or environmental factors, reducing distractions, adjusting feeding routines, or making dietary changes can be helpful.
Support and flexibility
Supporting a fussy baby before feeding can look like swaddling, gentle movements, wearing your baby, or even ‘dream’ feeds. The key is to be flexible and responsive to your baby’s cues. It’s also important for you, as a mama, to take breaks, take time looking after yourself and knowing when you need to ask for help or support.
Breast refusal can be a challenging experience, but with understanding and patience, most issues can be resolved. Remember, every baby is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. If you continue to have concerns, talk to your lactation consultant, midwife or doctor.
Breastfeeding isn’t easy, it can throw your curve balls you didn’t know could even exist. But I promise you, with education and support you can navigate the challenges of breast refusal. Remember, you’re not alone in this journey, and there’s a tonne of support available to help you and your baby find your way back to happy and healthy breastfeeding.
At GROW, I offer feeding support packages. Zero judgement and all of the love & support. I’m an advocate for breastfeeding but, above this, I am an advocate for individual choice, mama’s mental health and what is right for YOU and your family. Fed IS best.
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