When baby says NO! to breastfeeding
Babies were born to breastfeed. However, sometimes a baby goes off the breast and refuses to breastfeed. Many mothers are usually not prepared for this possibility.
Breast milk is considered the most beneficial, healthy and non-costly food for a new born. It has the perfect nutritional combo, for it fulfills all the dietary requirements of a healthy baby.
Dr. P. Migiro, addressing a workshop on Infant Feeding and Child Survival in July this year, said that a mother’s milk normally contains just the right amount of fats, proteins, sugar and water. These are necessary for the sound growth and development of the infant.
It is also served at the ideal temperature, is free and above all, it is available at all times. Besides, through breastfeeding the mother also donates some antibodies to the baby, increasing the baby’s immunity to protect it from various viral and bacterial infections.
Breast milk is sterile and causes no harm to the baby. Rather it is easy to digest as compared to any other baby formula. Breast sucking also promotes good jaw development as it is harder to suckle milk from the breast than from a milk bottle.
The doctor also pointed out that breastfeeding helps to develop a strong bond between the mother and her new born baby as this is the first experience of closeness, comfort and satisfaction for the baby.
It is, therefore, heartbreaking to a mother when her baby rejects breast milk in favour of formula milk.
Early introduction to bottle feeding can make the baby refuse to breastfeed. Bottle feeding a baby too early (in the fast three months) is usually discouraged because it results in a condition referred to as nipple confusion. This happens because when the baby starts suckling from the bottle, the milk flows easily as opposed to the breast where the baby has to suckle for some time before it starts flowing. From then on, the baby gets used to the easily flowing milk and does not want to go back to breastfeeding which they may find cumbersome. In many cases, a mother will be forced to express her milk into a bottle for the baby to be fed on. Use of a pacifier may also cause nipple confusion.
SOME REASONS WHY THIS HAPPENS
Discomfort caused by pain
Babies born to mothers who have gone through difficult labour, may get injuries that make breastfeeding difficult. They can either cry while breastfeeding or completely refuse to suckle.
The baby’s refusal to suckle may also signal a headache or stomach upset.
A baby may also refuse to breast feed as a result of a recent immunisation, which may be causing him a lot of pain that does not go away even when soothed.
Pre-term births
Premature babies usually have a problem suckling. They are initially fed on milk expressed by their mothers. Others, who seem to manage well, normally lack the strength to suckle, which results in their getting frustrated during feeding. They therefore prefer expressed milk especially when given through a bottle and will always refuse breastfeeding attempts by the mother.
Birth deformities
Unfortunately not all children are born with all their organs in order. A child with a cleft palate (an abnormality obtained from birth whereby a child has a split in the roof of the mouth) is unable to suckle. A cleft lip (a split in the upper lip) can be managed by the mother closing off the clip using her finger when the child is suckling.
A malformation on the tongue which hinders the movement of the tongue may also limit the baby’s ability to reach for the breast. This condition is known as tongue-tie. It is usually detected when the tongue of a child cannot pass the gum-line resulting in the baby using her gums to reach the tit. This frustrates the baby and may result in it rejecting breast feeding. However, all these may be corrected through a surgery.
Giving glucose water
Mothers should avoid giving their babies glucose water because it makes the baby feel full. If a child refuses to breastfeed at an early age, the mother should try expressing milk from her breasts and feeding him using a bottle, although breastfeeding is necessary in stimulating milk flow.
Baby needs a diaper change
Restlessness in a baby can cause him to refuse to breastfeed. Make a point of checking the baby’s nappy before nursing him.
Breast milk tasting different
Sometimes the food or medicine taken by the mother could be having a strong aroma or odour that repels the baby when he is close to her. If this is the case, the baby may reject nursing by the mother. Also, when a mother eats something that causes an allergic reaction to the baby, then the baby will refuse to suckle the next time the scent is present. But this is usually temporary, for after a while the baby begins suckling, again.
Baby is weary
Breastfeeding is an exercise for the jaws. A baby may be too tired to suckle when sleepy or when he has been learning a new developmental stage that is tiring, like learning to sit up or crawl.
Teething
When the baby is teething, she normally tends to turn away from the breast. This happens especially because the mouth is sore and hurts during suckling. You can help the baby by rubbing the gums and massaging the area softly.
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