When a baby refuses to breastfeed

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.