7 Penyebab Bayi Tidak Mau Menyusu, Atasi dengan Cara Berikut

A breastfeeding strike can occur in newborns as well as in older infants. Certainly, this condition can be very stressful for both the mother and the baby. If a baby refuses to breastfeed for a while, it might make you wonder, what is the cause? In fact, a breastfeeding strike or breastfeeding strike carries the risk of causing health and growth disturbances in your little one, who desperately needs breast milk intake.

Moms don't need to panic, because a baby refusing to breastfeed is actually a common occurrence and can be a sign that your little one is trying to say that something is disturbing their comfort while nursing. Let's look at the explanation of why babies refuse to breastfeed and tips to overcome it.

What Causes a Baby to Refuse Breastfeeding?

The reasons why your little one doesn't want to or even refuses to breastfeed are quite diverse, and therefore the ways to overcome them are also different. Well, Moms need to know and be observant about what might be causing the baby to be reluctant to breastfeed.

First, sickness or discomfort felt by your little one can be a reason they don't want to breastfeed. These conditions of pain or discomfort can arise from teething, thrush, to herpes simplex which makes the baby's mouth feel sore when nursing.

In addition, ear infections can also cause pain for the baby when they suckle or lie on one side in a nursing position. Other medical conditions that might cause a baby to go on a nursing strike include having a cold, which makes their nose stuffy and makes it difficult to breathe while nursing.

2. Poor Latching Position

What is meant by latching is the position of the baby's mouth attached to the mother's breast. Now, if the baby's latching position is not correct while breastfeeding, the suction power will not be effective and the baby will find it difficult to suckle breast milk. A poor latch can occur when your little one is hungry and feeding in a hurry.

3. Mother Has Flat or Inverted Nipples

Generally, babies can still breastfeed even if the mother has flat or even inverted nipples. However, there are some cases where the baby has difficulty maintaining the position of the nipple in their mouth due to the mother's flat or inverted nipples.

Well, if the reason your little one is reluctant to breastfeed is due to this nipple shape problem, Moms can do several things to make the nipple protrude. Moms can stimulate the nipple or use a breast pump before feeding directly. Try this method to make the mother's nipple more prominent and easier for the baby to hold in their mouth.

Another reason your little one doesn't want to breastfeed is usually caused by the breast milk flow being too fast and strong, making it difficult for them to feed from the mother comfortably. The solution is that Moms can pump breast milk before the baby starts to feed to help them keep up with the milk flow.

Your little one's reluctance to breastfeed can be caused by a decrease in breast milk production. The baby might feel less satisfied or still hungry with breast milk production that is no longer abundant. Well, reduced breast milk production can be caused by the little one starting to recognize solid foods.

Another reason why a baby is reluctant to breastfeed could be the changing taste of the breast milk. This change in taste can be caused by hormonal changes when the mother returns to menstruation, the consumption of birth control pills, the mother being pregnant while breastfeeding, smoking habits, or consuming certain foods.

A baby's refusal to breastfeed can also be caused by an uncomfortable atmosphere during nursing. To ensure your little one can feed smoothly, Moms need to create a comfortable and calm atmosphere. Don't let there be too many distractions around your little one, such as loud noises.

In addition to a comfortable situation, ensure that when you are about to breastfeed, you are also in a focused and calm state. Avoid nursing your little one when you are in an uncomfortable mood, angry, or frustrated. This is because your little one also feels your emotions, which can ultimately disrupt the breastfeeding process.

So, How to Overcome a Baby Refusing to Breastfeed?

1. Try to identify what is happening to your baby. By knowing what is causing the baby to refuse to breastfeed, Moms can apply the best way to handle the breastfeeding strike so that the breast milk nutrition is still fulfilled.
2. Try to stay calm and do not force your little one to breastfeed.
3. Especially for newborns, many mothers feel the benefits of skin-to-skin contact in a relaxed position can help relieve the pressure on your little one who is on a nursing strike. This allows the baby to rediscover their natural instinct to nurse.
4. Try a different breastfeeding position to see if the baby feels more comfortable. This also helps with the baby's better latch on the mother's nipple, so more breast milk comes out.
5. The recommended time to breastfeed a baby is when they are sleepy or even asleep.
6. Moms can try breastfeeding the baby while rocking, walking around, singing, or playing with the baby.
7. Moms can try breastfeeding in a quiet room away from distractions.

Well, that's the complete discussion regarding the causes and ways to overcome a baby not wanting to breastfeed. Don't forget for Moms to always monitor and enjoy the journey of your little one's growth and development with Hegen Indonesia. Hegen provides various baby care products ranging from feeding bottles, breast milk storage, teats, electric breast pumps, baby drinking bottle accessories, and more with a guarantee of the best product quality.

Let's check out the Hegen Indonesia product collection and shop online easily only through the official Hegen website!

References

1. BabyCenter. Nursing Strike: Why your baby may refuse to nurse. https://www.babycenter.com/baby/breastfeeding/nursing-strike_8490
2. Halodoc.com. Ibu, Kenali 4 Penyebab Bayi Tidak Mau Menyusu. https://www.halodoc.com/artikel/ibu-kenali-4-penyebab-bayi-tidak-mau-menyusu
3. nct.org.uk. Why is my baby refusing the breast? 8 tips that help. https://www.nct.org.uk/baby-toddler/feeding/common-concerns/why-my-baby-refusing-breast-8-tips-help