Breastfeeding can be an incredibly rewarding experience, but it's not without its challenges. One of the most common issues many mothers face is when their baby becomes fussy or refuses to nurse. This situation can be frustrating, especially when you're unsure why it’s happening or how to fix it. Understanding the potential causes of fussiness and knowing how to address them can make a significant difference in your breastfeeding journey. In this post, we will explore the common reasons why babies refuse to nurse and offer helpful tips to encourage your baby to latch again.

Common Reasons Why Babies Refuse to Nurse

Growth Spurts or Developmental Milestones

Babies go through periods of rapid growth, and these growth spurts can affect their feeding behavior. Around two to three weeks, six weeks, three months, and six months, your baby may seem fussier at the breast due to these growth spurts. During these times, babies may be hungrier than usual, but they can also be more distracted or easily irritated during feedings.

What you can do:

• Be patient and offer the breast frequently.
• Ensure a calm and quiet environment to help your baby focus on breastfeeding.

Teething Discomfort

Teething can cause significant discomfort for your baby, and this may make nursing more challenging. Babies may refuse to nurse if their gums are sore, and they may become irritated or fussy when they try to latch. The pressure of sucking can exacerbate the pain.

What you can do:

• Offer teething toys or cold washcloths for relief before breastfeeding.
• Try nursing when your baby is a little calmer or less irritable.

Illness or Congestion

When your baby is sick or congested, nursing can become difficult. Babies who are dealing with a cold, ear infection, or respiratory issues may have trouble breathing while breastfeeding, causing them to refuse to nurse. Congestion can make it hard for them to latch properly or even stay latched for long.

What you can do:

• Use saline drops and a nasal aspirator to clear your baby’s nose before feeding.
• Offer frequent but shorter feedings to accommodate your baby’s comfort.

Overactive Letdown or Slow Milk Flow

Sometimes, the issue may be with the mother’s milk flow. Overactive letdown (when milk comes out too quickly) or a slow milk flow can both lead to fussiness. With an overactive letdown, milk may squirt out rapidly and cause your baby to gag or choke. On the other hand, a slow milk flow can lead to frustration because your baby may not be getting enough milk and may give up on nursing.

What you can do:

• For overactive letdown, try nursing in a reclined position to slow the flow of milk.
• For slow milk flow, use an electric breast pump like the MomMed S21 wearable pump before breastfeeding to help get the milk flowing.

Nipple Confusion

If your baby has been introduced to bottles or pacifiers early, they may experience nipple confusion. Babies who are used to the faster milk flow from a bottle may have trouble adjusting to the slower flow from the breast, causing them to refuse to nurse. This can be particularly problematic in the first few weeks of life.

What you can do:

• Avoid giving bottles or pacifiers in the early days unless medically necessary.
• If your baby is already using a bottle, try using a slow-flow nipple to make bottle feeding more similar to breastfeeding.

Changes in Milk Taste

Changes in the taste of your milk can be due to various factors, such as your diet, medications, or hormonal changes. Some babies are sensitive to changes in milk taste, and this can cause them to reject the breast.

What you can do:

• Pay attention to your diet and avoid spicy or strong-flavored foods if you notice a change in your milk’s taste.
• Check with your healthcare provider if you’re on any medications to ensure they’re not affecting your milk.

Identifying the Cause of Fussiness

To address your baby’s fussiness at the breast, it's essential to first identify the underlying cause. Here are a few ways to help determine what might be going on:

Observe Baby’s Behavior

Pay attention to your baby’s feeding habits. Are they pulling away from the breast? Are they crying or arching their back? Do they seem to want to nurse but then get frustrated? Identifying specific behaviors can help you pinpoint if your baby is experiencing discomfort or if there's another issue causing the fussiness.

Monitor Milk Supply

Sometimes, low milk supply can cause your baby to become frustrated because they aren’t getting enough milk. To check your milk supply, track how often your baby nurses and whether they seem satisfied after feedings. You can also monitor output in terms of wet and dirty diapers, as this is a good indicator of milk intake.

For mothers concerned about their milk supply, using the MomMed S10 Pro double electric breast pump can help increase milk production by stimulating milk flow more efficiently. Consistent pumping and breastfeeding can work together to improve overall supply.

Check for Physical Discomfort

Make sure there are no physical barriers to breastfeeding, such as blocked ducts or nipple pain. If your baby seems uncomfortable nursing, check for any obvious signs of pain, including bruising, tenderness, or redness around the nipple area. You can also assess your baby’s latch to ensure it’s correct, as improper latching can cause discomfort and lead to frustration at the breast.

Solutions for Common Nursing Challenges

Once you've identified the root cause of your baby's fussiness, here are some solutions for common nursing challenges:

Managing Overactive Letdown

For mothers with an overactive letdown, nursing can be overwhelming for the baby. Try to nurse in a more laid-back position to help slow down the flow of milk. You can also express some milk before feeding to reduce the initial gush of milk.

Addressing Slow Milk Flow

If you have a slow milk flow, try using a reliable electric breast pump, such as the MomMed S21 wearable pump, to help get the milk flowing before nursing. This can help your baby get a good supply of milk right from the start and reduce frustration.

Soothing a Teething Baby

Teething can make nursing painful for your baby. If teething is the issue, try nursing when your baby is calm or using teething toys to help soothe their gums before feeding. Gentle, consistent pressure on the gums can help reduce discomfort.

Congestion Relief

If your baby is congested, try using a saline spray or aspirator before feeding to clear their airways. This can make it easier for your baby to latch and nurse comfortably. You can also try feeding in an upright position to make it easier for your baby to breathe while nursing.

Supporting Nursing with a Breast Pump

Sometimes, using a breast pump can be helpful when trying to manage breastfeeding challenges. A breast pump can help relieve engorgement, maintain your milk supply, or even allow you to offer your baby breast milk if they’re refusing to nurse directly from the breast.

When to Use a Breast Pump

If your baby is refusing to nurse but still needs nourishment, a breast pump can step in to help. Pumping can provide you with breast milk for feeding through a bottle, allowing you to offer your baby nourishment while working on addressing the underlying issue. Additionally, pumping can help prevent engorgement, which can happen when milk builds up in the breast, causing discomfort and potentially making it harder for your baby to latch.

For mothers who are facing low milk supply or are trying to increase their milk production, using a pump regularly can stimulate your breasts and signal your body to produce more milk. This can be especially helpful if your baby is having trouble getting enough milk due to a slow milk flow or latch issues.

Advantages of Pumping

One of the main advantages of pumping is that it gives you flexibility. You can pump when your baby is unable to nurse or when you're away from them, and the pumped milk can be stored for later use. This allows other caregivers to feed your baby as well, helping share feeding responsibilities.

When using a pump like the MomMed S21 wearable pump, you can also benefit from a discreet, hands-free experience. This is especially helpful when you’re trying to multitask or when you need to pump while taking care of other tasks. The S21 wearable pump is comfortable and efficient, ensuring that you can maintain your milk supply while managing a busy schedule. Plus, the quiet operation of the MomMed S21 means you can pump discreetly at home or on the go.

Tips to Encourage Baby to Nurse Again

Getting your baby back on track with breastfeeding can be a gradual process, but here are some tips to make the process smoother:

Skin-to-Skin Contact

One of the most effective ways to encourage breastfeeding is through skin-to-skin contact. Holding your baby against your skin can trigger their natural rooting reflex, which will help them latch more easily. Skin-to-skin also helps calm your baby, reduces stress, and strengthens the bond between you and your baby, making them more likely to feel secure and willing to nurse.

Create a Calm Feeding Environment

Babies are sensitive to their surroundings, and a calm environment can make a huge difference. Try to eliminate distractions, such as loud noises, bright lights, or anything that might overstimulate your baby. A quiet, relaxed atmosphere will allow your baby to focus on the task at hand: breastfeeding. You can also play soft music or use a white noise machine to create a soothing backdrop for your feeding sessions.

Experiment with Feeding Positions

Sometimes, a small change in position can make a big difference in your baby’s comfort and willingness to latch. Experiment with different feeding positions, such as the cross-cradle, football hold, or side-lying position, to find one that suits your baby. You can even try nursing in a slightly upright position if your baby is congested or experiencing discomfort.

Offer the Breast When Baby Is Relaxed

Timing plays a crucial role in successful breastfeeding. Sometimes, trying to nurse when your baby is too hungry or too fussy can make things harder. Instead, wait for a time when your baby is calm, such as right after waking from a nap or when they are already relaxed. The key is to offer the breast when they are not feeling too stressed or upset.
Additionally, if your baby shows signs of hunger but refuses to nurse, consider offering the breast during a moment of quiet alertness. You might also try feeding them when they are more sleepy or relaxed to avoid them becoming frustrated during the feeding.

Conclusion

Breastfeeding can sometimes come with challenges, but understanding why your baby may be fussy and how to address it can help make nursing a more enjoyable experience for both of you. If you're looking for additional support, using the MomMed S21 wearable pump or the MomMed S10 Pro double electric breast pump can make pumping easier and more efficient, helping you manage your milk supply and overcome feeding hurdles. Don’t forget to consult with a lactation expert if you’re having persistent issues—sometimes professional guidance can make all the difference.