Breastfeeding your little one may not work out as you hoped it would. If your baby refuses to breastfeed and prefers a bottle, it may be due to difficulties in latching or staying latched, nipple confusion, or your baby going on a nursing strike. These are common reasons for this behavior. Instead they would prefer the flow and feel of milk from a bottle which may require less of an effort.
As a parent you want to provide what is best for your baby. Breastfeeding is a beautiful and natural process that creates an intimate bond between a mother and child. Likewise, it is undoubtedly the best source of all the necessary nutrients your baby needs for growth. It will protect your baby from long term diseases as a child and have long term benefits well into adulthood. It also is very much beneficial to a mother’s health and wellbeing!
Considering this, your baby refusing to feed off of breasts could be worrying as a parent. You are likely to be left with a very fussy and annoyed baby resulting in a parent feeling tempted to alternatively provide a bottle.
Understanding Why Your Baby refuses to Breastfeed But Will Take a Bottle
There are many factors contributing to a baby’s preference for a bottle which we will discuss below.
Increased milk flow from bottles
Bottles have a faster free flow of milk than breastfeeding with the help of gravity as a bottle is tilted. Bottles also provide a larger and continuous supply which requires minimal effort from a baby and provides instant gratification.
Minimal effort required to obtain milk
Babies refusing to be breastfed is natural since drinking from a bottle is easier than having to suckle forcibly. Breastfeeding requires more effort from a baby as they pull on nipples to latch on and stay latched. Followed by suckling through to obtain milk that may not have a continuous flow like a bottle. This takes time for mothers to build their milk production between feeds and for it to be stimulated by sucking.
Preference for a bottle nipple
Some babies may prefer the shape, feel and hardness of a silicone bottle nipple. They may find it easier to latch and enjoy the free flow of milk. Some mothers may have flat or inverted nipples that could block the ease of nursing.
The role of early bottle introduction
If your baby was first introduced to a bottle rather than breastfeeding, there is a high chance that your baby will be reluctant to feed off the breast. There could be reasons for early bottle feeding:
- Low supply or difficulty feeding at birth
- If you are unable to breastfeed due to health related reasons
- First Infant formula may be recommended for newborns
- Difficult of traumatic birth where a mother needs time to recover and cope with breastfeeding
- Need to return to work quickly
Once your baby has experienced the feel of bottle feeding that includes a faster and easier flow, they are likely to refuse the breast causing a nipple confusion where your baby could be confused as to which they prefer and would eventually give up on one. This can be disheartening for a mother but there are many ways to fix this and restore a breastfeeding relationship.
Babies entering into a breastfeeding/nursing strike
There is a tendency for babies to enter into a nursing strike where they refuse to be breastfed after breastfeeding for months. Although breastfeeding strikes last a short period of time they are sometimes an indication that something may not be right.
Potential Causes for baby refuses to breastfeed
There is a tendency for your baby to take a breastfeeding or nursing strike and this can be for several reasons:
-
Latching and sustaining a latch
- Preterm or late preterm birth
- Sleepiness
- Minimal skin-to-skin contact
- Maternal nipple issues (flat or inverted)
- Baby’s oral restrictions (lip and/or tongue ties)
- Traumatic birth experiences
- Body tension from positioning during pregnancy and birth
- Early supplementation with a bottle
What to do if your baby refuses to breastfeed but will take a bottle
There are many ways in which a nursing strike can be overcome and the following tips will help you get back into a normal feeding routine.
More skin to skin
Keeping your baby close and skin to skin will give them extra attention. It will help your baby regain their interest to feed off the breast. Laying your baby while you are topless helps build a stronger bond between mother and bab. They will eventually latch on better with no pressure. You could also try using a sling or baby carrier to keep your baby close. This gives focused attention even while you are carrying out other activities.
Different ways and positions of nursing
It’s good to try out different nursing positions such as laid back feeding, cradle positions or an upright position. Whichever makes your baby feel comfortable. Movement helps too! You could feed your baby while walking around, rocking, singing or playing a white noise sound machine. Finding a quiet room to nurse with no distractions and dimmed lighting so that your baby is more focused. Increase the supply of milk
To get your flow of milk running, try to pump or hand expressing before letting your baby latch on. This way your baby is rewarded with milk a lot faster with a consistent flow.
Nursing when they are sleepy
You may want to try feeding your baby when they are quite sleepy or drowsy. Babies often latch on better when they are sleepy and more relaxed. You could let your baby lay on you and sleep on your breast giving them easy and constant access.
Soothe them before nursing
Trying to feed a cranky and fussy baby is a lot harder and they are less likely to latch on while crying. Try walking around, holding them close and gently rock. You could also try to give them your finger or a pacifier to calm them down or play calming music and lower the lights.
Importance of Getting Professional Help and Support
If your baby still refuses to breastfeed and you are concerned, know that you are not alone. There are so many resources, support groups, breast feeding tools and professional help that can guide you through your nursing struggles.
Importance of consulting with a lactation consultant to understand why baby refuses to breastfeed
You could start out by reaching out to a lactation consultant. They are health professionals who are specialized and trained in solving issues with breastfeeding. They are able to guide mothers through issues like milk supply concerns, nipple soreness, positions of breastfeeding, baby’s refusal to feed, latching issues, etc.
Lactation consultants are also able to support you not just physically but also emotionally and will provide you with the support and encouragement needed. They will work with you and your baby to build a bond and help you foster a positive breastfeeding experience.
Role and qualifications of an International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC)
Specialized and well trained lactation consultants likely certified with The International Board of Lactation Consultants Examiners (IBCLC) certification.
According to Cleveland Clinic, this certification is a well known and recognized for lactation consultants and involves key ares:
- 90 hours of education covering breastfeeding, anatomy, nutrition and more.
- 1000 hours of lactation-specific clinical experience
- A rigorous exam
- Continuing education hours each year
- Recertification every five years
Introduction of breastfeeding aids suggested by IBCLC
1. Nipple shields
Nipple shields are thin silicone worn over the nipple during breastfeeding to help babies latch on better and get enough milk during feeding.
They help with:
- Premature babies who are not strong enough to suck and latch on
- Baby is tongue-tied
- Nipples that are inverted, short and flat
- Breasts that are soft
- Pain relief for nipples that are sore, cracked, bleeding from a poor latch
- Bottle to breast transfer
2. Supplemental Nursing System (SNS)
The Supplemental Nursing System (SNS) is a device specifically designed to help mothers to breastfeed while supplying milk while being fed. This device provides milk through a container that has a small tube attached. This is a good choice if there is a slow flow of milk while breastfeeding.
Conclusion
Your baby refusing to breastfeed and instead taking a bottle can be for several reasons.
These include difficulties with latching on, babies getting on a nursing strike or just preferring a bottle nipple which can be upsetting and worrying for a mother. It is easy for you to enter a spiral of doubt and frustration as you feel rejected by your little one but it is important to understand that this process of getting your baby into a normal and pleasant nursing experience takes time, patience and a lot of close contact to establish a bond between you and your little one. If this issue continues to persist, it is good to seek professional help as they guide you through the process of successful breastfeeding but also provide you with the emotional support you may need. So don’t be discouraged, it’s all part of the journey of motherhood!
