why is my baby refusing my breast?
If a baby younger than a week old has been refusing the breast since birth, it is most often due to poor positioning and latch-on. It might also be a result of birth interventions (including aggressive suctioning) and medications. Be sure that baby has been checked for medical problems, such as cleft palate, short frenulum, injury or illness.
If baby began refusing the breast between the second and fourth day, it may be because the breast is engorged (which makes it more difficult for baby to latch), delayed or inhibited let-down, or a delay in mother’s milk 「coming in.」
A baby who has received bottles may refuse the breast because he has become accustomed to a faster flow of milk. He may also have developed sucking patterns that make it difficult for him to remove milk from the breast.
Baby may also refuse the breast if Mom has a forceful let-down or an overabundant milk supply, both of which make it difficult for baby to cope with the amount of milk she gets during a feeding.
Older babies (4 months and up) are often highly distractible and will refuse the breast if they notice anything 「interesting」 (an older sibling, a dog barking) during a feeding. Babies 9 months and up are often 「too busy」 during the day to breastfeed, and nurse more frequently during the night to make up for it.
Some babies refuse the breast when they are overstimulated, upset or under stress. Changes in daily routine, traveling and increased tension in the family might contribute to baby’s refusal to nurse. Some sensitive babies will refuse the breast if Mom has started using a new cosmetic, soap, lotion, or laundry detergent that smells different from what baby is used to.
why is my baby pulling off the breast?
Babies pull off the breast for many different reasons. Some of the most common ones include:
1) Baby has not latched-on well and is trying to reposition her mouth on the breast.Baby is done nursing for the moment. She may or may not take more milk after taking a short break.
2) Babies sometimes fuss, cry or pull off the breast when they need to burp.
3) Some babies pull off the breast if Mom has a forceful let-down and/or a super-abundant milk supply. You may hear your baby choking, gasping or gulping before she pulls off. She might also clamp down on your nipple to try and control the flow.Other signs of a forceful let-down include excessive gas or spitting up.
4) Some babies get impatient if Mom has a slow let-down or a low flow of milk. Baby will knead the breast, pull off and on the nipple and suck more rapidly to speed up the flow. Try compressing your breasts during feeding (see http://www.breastfeedinginc.ca/content.php?pagename=doc-BC for instructions) to increase the flow.
5) Babies who are teething, ill, or have thrush or reflux may also pull off the breast.
(Adapted from www.kellymom.com)
why is my baby falling asleep not long after latching?
Poor latch-on is the most common cause of newborns falling asleep quickly at the breast. If baby takes only the nipple or a small amount of breast into his mouth, the flow of milk will be slow, and not enough to keep him interested in continuing to suckle. Improving the latch (so that baby is taking a deep mouthful of breast tissue) is often all it takes to trigger active, effective suckling, which increases the milk flow, and keeps baby alert and interested at the breast.
Babies may also be 「sleepy」 at the breast if they had a difficult delivery, if they are preterm, if there is too much stimulation in their environment (light, sound, activity), or if they have a medical condition such as jaundice or infection.
Some sleepy babies must be 「reminded」 to wake and feed 8–12 times in 24 hours. To rouse your baby, change her diaper and remove her clothes. Place her on your bare chest with her head nestled between your breasts so that she can hear your heartbeat and smell your milk. Gently rub her back and the bottoms of her feet, talk to her and make eye contact. You can also circle her lips with your finger, and express milk onto her lips.
To keep a sleepy baby interested during a feeding, use breast compressions to keep the milk flowing (seehttp://www.breastfeedinginc.ca/content.php?pagename=doc-BC for instructions). Massage the crown of baby’s head gently in a circular motion. You can also switch breasts as soon as baby begins to lose interest in sucking. Burp baby or change her diaper between sides to keep interest high.
If your baby consistently does not wake to feed, falls asleep quickly when on the breast, or does not feed 8–12 times in 24 hours, he may not get the calories he needs to sustain growth. Seek help from a lactation consultant or your pediatrician if you have any concerns.
(Adapted from The Breastfeeding Answer Book, N. Mohrbacher, J. Stock)