10 Reasons Your Baby Is Rejecting Your Breastmilk

Mark Wealth

Babies rejecting the boobs? But it’s true, babies do! We share 10 cogent  and possible reasons your baby is rejecting your “boob-juice”.

Once Beaten…

So you were kind of taken unawares when your teething baby bit your nipple. It hurt, so, you smacked the baby a little hard and probably stopped feeding then. Now, baby’s too scared to start what brought that unpleasant change in you – she doesn’t want to suckle.

A lot of cuddling and pleading will have to be done to return her back to ‘breast-friends’ status.

Something In The Water?

Maybe it’s a recent addition to your diet that’s changing the taste of your milk. Your baby can taste it and is not just used to the new taste. It may take some time to get her used to it.

Cosmetic Milk

I’m sure you didn’t know that the sense of smell is closely linked to the sense of taste. Or maybe you did. If your baby’s nursing strike is happening at the same time you changed your cream, perfume or soap, chances are high that this is what’s making baby say ‘No’ to breastfeeding.

READ ALSO: Why Your Baby Bites During Breastfeeding And How To Avoid It

Still On The Nose

Does your baby have a cold or stuffy nose? Difficulty in breathing can cause discomfort causing baby to do any other thing but root and latch. Don’t get frustrated. Experts say setting the baby upright before breastfeeding can free the nasal airways making it less worrisome to suckle.

It’s Changing Season

It may be your menstrual cycle or stress that’s causing those hormones to flow forth. Hormonal changes also affect the taste of your milk and this might be the rebel rouser inciting your little tot to reject the new diet condiments.

Transferred Aggression

You’re not a bad mummy. It’s not about your cooking or lactation. Teething pains and ear aches could be aggravated when the baby tries to go through the motion of suckling. WebMd suggests you rub a clean finger or soft cloth along baby’s gums before you start breastfeeding. Otherwise, go see a doctor.

READ ALSO: Did You Know You Shouldn’t Give Your Baby Water Before 6 Months? See WhyLow Supplies

If the flow of your breast milk reduces, baby might get cranky and impatient causing him to lose interest.

Competition

Have you been alternating between breastfeeding and formula/bottle feeding? Then, it’s highly probable that the baby is now used to the bottle and has developed nipple confusion.

Out of Sight…

A disruption in the frequency of breastfeeding can be the cause. Maybe you just returned to work after maternity leave or had to travel briefly. Experts suggest maintaining a lot of skin-to-skin contact for baby to get back in the “zone”.

Mastitis!

The build up of milk without matching outflow can cause inflammation of the breast tissue. This inflammation can give your mammary juice a salty taste and baby’s palate is not having it. The solution is to make sure you breastfeed frequently or express until the mastitis gets better.

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There’s really nothing to worry about. Nursing strikes (breast rejection) is temporary and can be corrected. The experts at kellymom have this to say,

“In general, a baby who won’t nurse, can’t nurse. Your goal is to (hopefully) identify why baby can’t nurse and either remedy the problem, work around the problem, and/or preserve your milk supply until the problem remedies itself (sometimes necessary for ill, small or premature babies).”

Baby is still…well, a baby, and can’t communicate the problem, so, they up the ante and strike. Observe the baby, observe yourself and keep your paediatrician in the loop.

READ ALSO: Why Watering Down Your Breast Milk Can Be Deadly