A newborn may initially have trouble breastfeeding. Although it is a natural process and has the best nutrients for her developing body and brain, it can come with challenges. What may look like her "rejecting" breastfeeding is really her dealing with obstacles. By understanding the reasons behind her frustrations, a new mother can help her move through this transition.
Baby Latches On and Off
The baby may have no trouble finding the nipple and understanding what he wants from it. However, as soon as he latches on and begins to suck, he may pull away or push his hands into the breast, creating distance. He may also begin screaming or crying with frustration and try to latch on again. He wants to eat, but can't. For this baby, the flow is too fast, and the mother may have an overflow of milk, says the Palo Alto Medical Foundation. To help, the mother can express a small amount before nursing to help the initial flow go down or "block feed" on one side only for 24 hours to lower her supply.
Slow Sucking or a Drowsy Baby
This baby may be frustrated because the milk flow is not enough or too slow. Newborns can easily fall asleep at the breast if the milk is not coming at a steady pace. If this happens, she is not getting the nutrients she needs and may wake up momentarily, screaming in hunger. To remedy this situation, the mother can massage her breast to help her milk flow, drink lots of water and nurse frequently to up her supply.
Constantly Moving While Nursing
A baby who cannot seem to settle down while breastfeeding may need to burp. Sit him on your lap, support his head and neck and gently pat him on his upper back. He will release the gas and then can try nursing again. Some babies need to be burped often, but others only need the opportunity between breasts and after nursing.
Clogged Ducts
If the mother has a clogged duct in her breast, her milk will clog and it will be difficult for the baby to suck it out at his preferred pace. He may become frustrated and pull away, crying. To deal with clogged ducts, use a warm compress 20 minutes before nursing, an ice pack 20 minutes after nursing and massage the clog right before and during the nursing session.
Infection
If the mother has yeast on her breasts, or "thrush," the baby may also have sores in his mouth. These sores can be painful for both mother and baby, and the infection can go back and forth between both of them until it is treated. If the baby has thrush, he will have sores inside his mouth, and may reject nursing because it is painful. If the mother has thrush, the area around her nipple will be red and shiny and quite painful while nursing. If thrush presents itself on either person, the mother should go to the doctor to get an oral cure for her and drops for the baby, which she will need to spread in his mouth to prevent the yeast from growing.
Poor Latch
If a baby is hurting her mother while she nurses, and she is turning her head but not pulling off the nipple, she is probably not getting enough milk because she has a poor latch. It is important for the baby to open her mouth wide and put her whole mouth around as much of the areola as she can. Keep her nose and chin close to the breast and her tummy and chest close to the mother. Bring the baby to the breast; not the breast to the baby.
