When a baby refuses to breastfeed

Breast rejection is usually only a temporary phase, which is easily resolved by changing the breastfeeding position or providing a calmer environment for breastfeeding the baby, with patience and tenderness.

The baby may refuse only one or both breasts during a breastfeed. Also, he/she may seem hungry, but when offered the breast, he/she cannot latch on to start suckling. Or, the baby latches on the breast and starts suckling, but after a short time lets go of the breast and starts crying, because he/she cannot keep it in his/her mouth.

Causes of breast rejection or difficulty latching on

  • The baby has a problem with latching on the breast 
  • The breastfeeding position is not correct
  • The baby prefers one breast
  • The breast is hard or swollen
  • The breast releases milk during breastfeeding more slowly or faster than usual
  • The baby just isn’t hungry
  • The baby is used to a bottle or a pacifier
  • The baby is tired or disturbed by excessive environmental stimulation, which is normal for older infants
  • The baby has a cold
  • The baby is in pain or uncomfortable
  • Your milk tastes different, which happens if you are taking a medicine, due to hormonal changes during your cycle, or if you have eaten something unusual.
  • You have changed your perfume or deodorant

What can help:

  • Check the baby's position and how he/she latches on both breasts
  • Keep the baby calm, close to the breast
  • Touch the baby's lips with the nipple until he/she opens his/her mouth wide before latching on the breast
  • Do not force the baby to latch on the breast
  • If the baby starts crying or fidgeting, stop breastfeeding and try again in 15 minutes after the baby calms down
  • Do not force the baby to latch on the breast when crying - breastfeeding should be associated with a feeling of comfort
  • Take care that your breasts do not become engorged due to limited breastfeeding
  • Express milk from the breasts to maintain lactation in both breasts
  • If necessary, express some milk before breastfeeding to prevent milk from flowing into the baby's mouth too quickly
  • If the baby refuses both breasts, feed him/her expressed milk with a teaspoon, cup or syringe
  • Feed your baby with your milk until he/she links breastfeeding with a feeling of satisfaction
  • Avoid bottle nipples and pacifies, feed the child with a cup if necessary
  • Breastfeeding should take place in an intimate atmosphere, without additional stimulation
  • Breastfeeding should be preceded by cuddling with the baby
  • Do not use perfumed creams or deodorants

If you cannot solve the problem of breast rejection on your own, consult a visiting nurse or seek help at a breastfeeding counseling unit in your health center. If you think your baby is unwell, weak, or sick, take him/her to a pediatrician of your choice.

If you have questions, dilemmas or doubts about breastfeeding, call the "Hello Baby" telephone counseling service of the Belgrade City Institute of Public Health. The counselling nurses on phone duty (24/7) will provide you with professional assistance and advice, and help you calm down; the telephone number is 011/7158-444, and if you can, also use the Hello Baby application to get more information about breastfeeding.