What Can You Do If Your Baby Is Not Breastfeeding?

Breastfeeding is always a very rewarding and emotional experience. However, there can sometimes be difficulties. It can be very distressing for you as a new mum if your newborn is unable to breastfeed. This condition is sometimes referred to as a “breastfeeding strike”. Something must be preventing bub. There can be many reasons why the baby isn’t breastfeeding. So stay patient and try to find out.

This is not uncommon. Thousands of new mums face this issue. Here are the most common reasons why some babies cannot breastfeed properly.

Insufficient or Poor Latch

The latch is the way her mouth attaches to your breast during the feeding. Your baby won’t be able to suck properly if her mouth isn’t latching on properly. In such a situation, she won’t be able to take out the milk. It will become even more difficult as the baby gets hungrier. In some instances, she may start to refuse your breasts.

Your Baby Was Born Premature

Small, premature infants have small mouths. They can face problems in latching on to the breast. Premature babies also have less energy, so they may not yet have the energy needed for feeding. In such a situation, you can feed her pumped breast milk or a good and safe formula product until the time she is big enough to start breastfeeding.

The modern-day formula milk products, like the Lebenswert Formula, for example, are much better than the ones available before. They are safer and provide all the nutrients a baby needs for good health and growth. The Lebenswert Formula is from Germany. It is fully organic. There are no added sugars, flavors, synthetic ingredients, harsh chemicals, or fillers, which is why it has become so popular all over Europe.

Inverted or Flat Nipples

Most babies will still be able to breastfeed. But some of them cannot latch properly when the nipples are inverted or flat. There are many ways to correct the situation so you can feed. For example, you can stimulate your nipples. You can also use a breast pump before the feeding. This will draw out the nipples, so she will find it easier.

Not Producing Enough Milk

Some new mums have health issues, which can delay the production of breast milk. The delay is certainly worrying, but don’t fret. It usually begins to come out in a few days. Keep placing the baby on your breasts. You can give her good formula milk in the meantime.

Your Baby Has a Disability or Birth Injury

Sometimes there can be an injury during the delivery like a bruise and in extreme cases, a broken shoulder. It is rare but possible. She won’t feel comfortable while feeding if there is such an injury. Some newborns also have physical or neurological disabilities at birth. They may also face problems in breastfeeding. Some of them might refuse completely.

Consult with your doctor in such instances. You may be prescribed to go for formula milk until the time the baby starts breastfeeding.

Your Baby Can Be Sleepy

Most newborns will sleep for long hours every day. Medications given during the delivery can make them feel even more drowsy. They may also feel sleepy because of some illness such as jaundice. A drowsy baby may not want to breastfeed. Rub her back or feet to wake her up. You may also change her diaper before feeding. The sleeping problem is only temporary, so there is nothing to worry about really.

Discomfort or Pain

A cold sore or thrush can cause pain in the mouth while she is breastfeeding. An ear infection can also cause pain, especially if she is lying on the side of the infected ear. The soreness or injury that is preventing her from feeding might also be due to vaccination.

An Unusual Taste or Smell

You may smell differently if you start using a new perfume, lotion, soap, or detergent. This may put off the baby. The taste of your breast milk can also change because of medicine or food. The change can also happen if you have become pregnant again.

What Can You Do If Bub Is Not Breastfeeding?

First, don’t worry. Always remember, stressed mums will produce less breast milk. Here are some more tips for you –

• Breastfeed in a dark and quiet place. There should not be any distractions.
• Speak to a breastfeeding specialist or a doctor. Ask for suggestions. Take your baby to the doctor to find out whether there are any medical problems.
• Pump for maintaining your milk supply. Provide infant formula milk to your baby but keep trying to offer your breast.
• Try to find out whether your baby can latch on to your breast correctly. Try different feeding positions.
• Offer breastmilk frequently. But don’t force too much. It can become more difficult for your baby to feed if it becomes a negative experience. She may start avoiding breastmilk altogether.
• Try finger feeding, cup feeding, or a supplemental nursing system to give breastmilk.

Remember, breastmilk is always best for infants. So keep trying. Get medical help, if required. But in the meantime, you can also provide good formula milk to ensure that your baby stays nourished and in good health.