Tak Perlu Panik, Begini 8 Cara Mengatasi Bayi Bingung Puting

The breastfeeding journey creates an extraordinary bond of love and a precious experience for every mother. However, the baby's breastfeeding journey also has its own challenges, one of which is dealing with nipple confusion. This problem can leave new parents feeling confused about how to overcome it. Don't worry, because in this article, Hegen will review the signs and how to effectively overcome nipple confusion in babies.

What Are the Signs of Nipple Confusion?

Nipple confusion in babies can occur when a baby is accustomed to one method of feeding. For example, if a baby is used to breastfeeding directly from the breast, they may have difficulty when switching to a bottle, or vice versa.

This confusion often occurs due to the difference in suction technique between breastfeeding and using a bottle. Although bottles provide a steady flow of breast milk, during direct breastfeeding, the baby needs to suckle actively to stimulate milk production.

When experiencing nipple confusion, there is a possibility that the baby may refuse to breastfeed altogether. However, Mom, don't worry because not all babies experience this condition. In fact, some babies are very accustomed to feeding from both a bottle and the mother's breast.

Nipple confusion generally occurs early in a baby's life and often happens when the baby is introduced to a bottle or pacifier too early.

For clarity, here are some signs of nipple confusion when a baby is used to using a bottle:

• When latching onto the mother's nipple, the tongue is extended upward.
• The baby has difficulty opening their mouth wide enough during the latching process.
• The baby becomes fussier because breast milk takes some time to flow.

How to Effectively Overcome Nipple Confusion

When your little one is already experiencing nipple confusion, Mom and Dad don't need to panic or worry excessively. Stay calm and try some of these ways to overcome nipple confusion.

1. Get into the habit of breastfeeding as early as possible after the baby is born to establish a strong bonding before the baby is introduced to a bottle at a minimum age of 4-6 weeks.
2. Mom needs to reintroduce the breastfeeding process to your little one if they have already been given a bottle too early. Not only that, Mom can also relearn the proper breastfeeding and latching process so that the baby is comfortable nursing.
3. Pay attention to the positioning during the baby's latching process on the mother's breast. Wait until the baby's mouth is wide open and the position of the tongue is underneath.
4. Ensure both mother and baby are comfortable during the breastfeeding process.
5. Don't always wait until the baby is hungry; try to breastfeed when the baby is in a calm state.
6. Mom can stimulate the breast with a pumping-like motion so that the breast milk flows out faster. It is recommended for Mom to regularly perform lactation massages so that the breast area relaxes and milk production increases.
7. If Mom has tried the methods above to overcome nipple confusion, the solution is to consult a lactation consultant. Meet an expert to get a diagnosis of whether there is a breastfeeding problem that Mom is experiencing.
8. If Mom wants your little one to switch to a bottle after they are old enough (at least 4-6 weeks) and can breastfeed directly or for other reasons, pay attention to the criteria of the bottle used so they do not get nipple confusion.

Use a teat that has a natural flow according to the baby's age and ability to suck. Hegen has 4 types of milk flow rates: extra slow flow (0-3 months), slow flow (3-6 months), medium flow (6 months and above), and thick (for thickened liquids).

What Are the Benefits of Direct Breastfeeding for Mother and Baby?

Getting your little one used to nursing directly from the mother's breast has many benefits for supporting their growth and development.

• The baby's nutritional needs will be well met, while the mother's breast milk supply is maintained because the direct latching process stimulates the mother's brain to produce milk.
• Bonding between mother and baby is strengthened by doing direct breastfeeding. One reason is that mother and baby have skin-to-skin contact during breastfeeding.
• Breast milk has many extraordinary health benefits for boosting the immune system and preventing infections in babies. This is because breast milk produces antibodies that act to ward off bacteria, viruses, and disease germs in babies.
• The direct breastfeeding method is also beneficial in preventing potential early weaning.

The Best Recommendation for Hegen Anti-Nipple Confusion Bottles

Mom needs to know that nipple confusion is not a big, highly risky thing as long as the little one is still willing to accept milk as their daily nutritional requirement. If the baby absolutely refuses to accept breast milk or formula at all, consult a doctor or a trusted lactation consultant immediately, Mom.

Once your little one is accustomed to learning to suckle from the mother's breast during direct nursing, Mom can consider using a quality feeding bottle that is comfortable for breastfeeding. If Mom is looking for a feeding bottle for a newborn, Hegen is the solution!

Hegen PCTO™ 60 ml PPSU Feeding Bottle is equipped with an extra slow flow teat that helps newborns learn to nurse. The super soft Hegen teat is also designed to resemble the mother's actual nipple, minimizing the potential for nipple confusion in babies.

The Hegen anti-colic teat is also equipped with a smart built-in air vent system that prevents the baby from choking and aerated milk that causes nutrients to break down quickly.

Our patented Press-To-Close, Twist-to-Open innovation allows the bottle with the teat attached to be pressed and twisted conveniently without any spills.

Using only one bottle, the “Express-Store-Feed” Hegen PPSU bottle can be used as a pumping container, breast milk storage, and a nursing bottle all at once. Just change and adjust the cover or lid according to your needs, Hegen bottles are highly multi-purpose!

Come on, find out more about the range of baby products from Hegen and buy Hegen milk bottles starting for newborns only on the official Hegen Indonesia website today!

References

1. Hellosehat.com. Nipple Confusion in Babies: Causes and How to Overcome It. https://hellosehat.com/parenting/bayi/menyusui/bayi-bingung-puting/
2. Indonesian Pediatric Society. How to Overcome Nipple Confusion. https://www.idai.or.id/artikel/klinik/pengasuhan-anak/cara-mengatasi-bingung-puting