6 Reasons Why Newborn Babies Refuse to Breastfeed and How to Overcome Them

January 26, 2024

Breast milk is the main source of nutrition for newborns up to 6 months old. Exclusive breastfeeding is something every mother should pay attention to for the baby’s growth and development. Unfortunately, the breastfeeding process is not always easy and often comes with certain challenges. One of the obstacles that may occur is when newborn babies refuse to breastfeed. If you are facing this problem, don’t panic. First, find out the possible causes and try the following tips to overcome them.

Causes Why Newborn Babies Refuse to Breastfeed

By understanding why newborn babies refuse to breastfeed, mothers can more easily find ways to solve the problem. The following are some possible reasons a baby may refuse to drink breast milk.

1. Flat or Inverted Nipples

Mothers with flat or inverted nipples may find that their babies refuse to breastfeed. While some babies can still nurse normally, others have difficulty latching onto a flat nipple.

To help the breastfeeding process go smoothly, you can pump some breast milk first to make the nipple protrude. This way, your baby can hold the nipple inside their mouth more easily and suck directly from the breast.

2. Incorrect Latch Between Nipple and Baby’s Mouth

As a new mother, it’s natural to feel unsure or confused about how to breastfeed properly. This is one of the most common reasons mothers position their babies incorrectly while nursing.

An improper latch makes it difficult for the baby to suck milk effectively, which can make the baby impatient and refuse to breastfeed again. Therefore, make sure the baby’s position is correct so the breastfeeding process runs smoothly.

The correct latch position is when the entire nipple and areola go into the baby’s mouth. Give it a try!

3. Premature Baby

Premature babies often face difficulties when breastfeeding. After birth, they usually need to be separated from their mother for a period of special care, which prevents them from nursing directly right away.

In addition, premature babies tend to have smaller mouths and bodies. These factors make newborn babies refuse to breastfeed because they struggle to suck milk directly from the mother’s breast.

However, don’t be discouraged. Keep trying to breastfeed so your baby still gets the nutrients they need. In the meantime, you can express milk using a breast pump and feed it to your baby through a bottle. Still, you should continue practicing direct breastfeeding whenever possible.

4. Baby Sleeps Too Much

Source: Freepik

Newborns tend to spend most of their time sleeping, which can interfere with their feeding schedule. Even so, always try to give breast milk so your baby’s nutritional needs are met.

If your baby sleeps too long, try gently waking them up by stroking their back or feet. You can also remove their blanket or change their diaper to help wake them up for feeding.

5. Baby Has an Infection

Babies who are sick or have an infection often refuse to breastfeed. Usually, they appear weak, have skin rashes, cry frequently, and seem fussy. Be careful, because infections in newborns don’t always cause a fever.

That’s why parents should stay aware and immediately consult a doctor if something doesn’t seem right with their baby.

6. Low Milk Supply

It’s normal for breast milk production to be low right after birth. Over time, the supply will increase if the baby nurses frequently. That’s why mothers need to keep practicing and not give up so their baby continues to breastfeed directly.

You can also try using a breast pump from Hegen to help with milk flow issues. The HEGEN PCTO™ DOUBLE ELECTRIC BREAST PUMP NEW features a massage mode with innovative kneading and gentle cupping technology. These features effectively stimulate the release of oxytocin, which helps improve milk flow.

However, if you have health conditions that affect your milk supply, it’s best to consult your doctor for the right solution.

Tips to Overcome When Newborn Babies Refuse to Breastfeed

tips to overcome newborn babies refuse to breastfeed

Source: Freepik

The problem of newborn babies refusing to breastfeed should not be ignored. It can lead to dehydration, nutrient deficiency, and increased illness risk. To help your baby nurse again, try the following methods.

Keep practicing and try to breastfeed your baby gently and patiently. Avoid forcing the baby to feed, as it will only make them uncomfortable and refuse even more.
Ensure the baby’s mouth and areola latch correctly. An improper latch will make it difficult for the baby to suck milk and may lead to refusal.
If milk flow is strong but your baby often sleeps, pump breast milk by hand or with a breast pump to feed later when they wake up, or store it in the freezer as expressed milk stock.
If your baby refuses to nurse directly, use a feeding bottle or feed breast milk with a spoon.
Consult a lactation consultant or doctor to check if other factors are causing your baby to refuse breastfeeding.

Breastfeeding is not easy and full of challenges. But you should not give up. Keep trying for your baby’s healthy growth and development.

As mentioned earlier, if you are unable to breastfeed directly, you can use a feeding bottle and teats from Hegen to give your baby breast milk.

Never choose just any baby bottle brand. Make sure you only use feeding bottles from Hegen. All feeding bottles from Hegen are made of high-quality PPSU material certified by the FDA, making them safe for your baby’s health.

They are lightweight, eco-friendly, durable, and BPA-free. The material can withstand heat up to 180°C, ensuring that the components do not contaminate expressed milk when warmed.

In addition, Hegen’s feeding bottles feature PCTO™ innovation for a secure, leak-proof seal that is easy to open and close. Hegen bottles come in four sizes suitable for each baby’s age.

You can also get Hegen teats available in five flow options: extra slow flow, slow flow, medium flow, fast flow, and thick feed. Below are some recommended feeding bottles and teats from Hegen you can choose.

HEGEN PCTO™ 60ML/2OZ FEEDING BOTTLE PPSU FOR NEWBORNS / 0 MONTHS