Understanding Breast Refusal and Breastfeeding Strikes
There are various factors that can impact a baby's reluctance to breastfeed. It can be distressing to constantly offer the breast only to be met with cries and refusal. However, rest assured that this phase of breastfeeding strike is usually temporary.
Milk Flow and Breast Refusal
To address this issue, there are several strategies that can be implemented. One common reason for breast refusal is when the baby becomes frustrated with the flow of milk. The baby may suck at the breast eagerly awaiting the let-down, only to be disappointed with a slow or inadequate flow of milk. On the other hand, a fast let-down can also cause your baby to struggle with the flow of your milk.
Encouraging Your Let-Down Reflex
To assist with this situation, stimulating your let-down reflex is key. Techniques such as gently rolling your nipple between your fingers, massaging your breasts, using relaxation methods like calming music or warm showers, and employing breast compressions can help encourage the flow of milk and prompt your baby to feed.
Moving From Bottle Feeding Back to the Breast
Breast refusal can also stem from a baby being accustomed to the fast flow of a bottle. In such cases, triggering the let-down reflex can aid in transitioning the baby back to the breast. Additionally, feeding the baby promptly when hungry, minimising bottle and dummy use, and offering expressed breast milk before breastfeeding can be beneficial.
Other Strategies to Encourage Feeding
If these methods do not work, a lactation consultant may suggest using a nipple shield or a supplement nursing system to facilitate feeding. Other techniques such as limiting distractions, babywearing, trying different feeding positions, offering the breast in a warm bath, and ensuring skin-to-skin contact can also help encourage feeding. Sleeping together allowing access to the breast is a great way to encourage your baby back to the breast.
Consider Pain, Illness and Hormonal Changes
It is important to remain calm and patient throughout this process, as babies can pick up on your emotions. Addressing any underlying issues such as pain from teething, illness, and vaccination is crucial in resolving breast refusal. Being aware that hormonal changes from the return of your period or a new pregnancy can alter the taste of your milk which can trigger a breast strike.
Spend Time Together
If your baby continues to be upset, spending quality time together with ample access to the breast is crucial. Consider planning quiet days at home to relax and engage in plenty of skin-to-skin contact, which can help soothe your baby and encourage feeding.
Protecting Your Milk Supply and Monitoring Hydration
If you miss feeding sessions, make sure to express milk to maintain your milk supply, aiming for 8-12 breastfeeding or expressing sessions in a 24-hour period. Monitoring your baby's nappy output, particularly wet nappies, is essential to ensure they are adequately hydrated.
Changes in Feeding as Your Baby Grows
As your baby grows older, their feeding patterns will evolve, and they may require less time at the breast. Older babies can consume more milk per feed and may not be as hungry during certain feeding times. Introducing complementary foods can also impact their hunger levels. If you suspect this is contributing to breast refusal, try offering the breast more frequently and reducing the amount of solids.
When to Seek Breastfeeding Support
If you are still facing challenges with breastfeeding, be sure to seek assistance from a qualified lactation professional. You will be provided with guidance and support to help address any issues and ensure your baby's successful return to the breast.
References
Breast-feeding strike: Why do babies refuse to nurse? (n.d.). Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/infant-and-toddler-health/expert-answers/breastfeeding-strike/faq-20058157
Breast refusal – how to get baby to feed | Australian Breastfeeding Association. (n.d.). Www.breastfeeding.asn.au. https://www.breastfeeding.asn.au/resources/breast-refusal
Medela. (2024, April 6). Getting Baby Back on the Breast: How to Deal with Breast Refusal. Medela.com. https://www.medela.com/en-au/breastfeeding-pumping/blog/breastfeeding-tips/getting-baby-back-on-the-breast-how-to-deal-with-breast-refusal
Why won’t my baby feed? | Australian Breastfeeding Association. (n.d.). Www.breastfeeding.asn.au. https://www.breastfeeding.asn.au/resources/why-wont-baby-feed
(2023). Llli.org. https://llli.org/breastfeeding-info/nursing-strikes/
