Understanding Latching Refusal
Breast refusal can feel overwhelming. Whether it happens suddenly or gradually, it might feel like the end of your feeding journey. If your baby struggles with bottles too, the situation can feel even more daunting.
But here’s the good news: it doesn’t have to stay that way.
When your baby refuses to feed, they’re not rejecting you—they’re signaling that something isn’t working. Once you identify and address the cause, you can get back on track, meeting your feeding goals with confidence.
If you’re noticing signs of refusal, reaching out to an experienced IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant) can make a big difference. Addressing the issue early is helpful, but even if it’s been a while, there are still ways to rebuild your feeding relationship.
3 Common Reasons for Breast/Chestfeeding Aversion
1. Introduction of a Bottle
Sometimes, introducing bottles can create a mismatch between bottle feeding and breast/chestfeeding. This mismatch often comes down to two key factors: flow rate and volume.
Keep an Eye Out For: Frustration during feeds, particularly after introducing bottles or increasing their use.
Symptoms: Sudden refusal, especially after multiple bottle feeds; preference for bottles over the breast/chest.
Solution: Use slow-flow nipples and adjust bottle volumes to mimic breast/chestfeeding patterns.
When the flow from a bottle is faster than what your baby is used to at the breast/chest, feeding from you might feel frustrating. Similarly, daycare settings or caregivers may offer larger, less frequent bottles based on formula-feeding norms, creating a "volume mismatch." Remember, breast/chestfed babies typically take in about the same amount of milk from 6 weeks to 6 months. Opt for smaller, more frequent bottles to prevent this mismatch and support your feeding goals.
2. Aversion Because Feeding Doesn’t Feel Good
Feeding is designed to be a pleasurable, comforting experience for your baby. When it isn’t—when it leads to discomfort or pain—their brain starts associating feeding with unpleasant sensations. This can result in refusal, especially during awake hours when your baby has more control over their actions.
Keep an Eye Out For: Signs of discomfort like fussiness during or after feeds, frequent arching, or spitting up.
Symptoms: Feeding is worse during the day but better when your baby is sleepy. You might notice silent reflux signs like swallowing after feeds, frequent tongue thrusting, or back arching.
Solution: Work with an IBCLC to uncover and address the root cause, which often involves more than dietary changes (e.g., eliminating dairy).
At night, when your baby’s reflexes take over, they may feed better because their brain isn’t actively processing discomfort. During the day, their growing awareness might lead to shorter, fussier feeds. Addressing the discomfort can rebuild their positive association with feeding and help you get back to a joyful feeding experience.
3. Aversion Because Feeding Is Hard
Feeding is meant to be easy and instinctive, but when your baby’s oral muscles aren’t working as they should, it can make feeding feel like hard work. This can lead to aversion, especially as they grow older and become more aware of their discomfort.
Keep an Eye Out For: Clicking sounds, milk leakage, or choking during feeds.
Symptoms: Gradual refusal, often starting around 4 months; robust weight gain initially, followed by a plateau or drop; fussiness during breast/chestfeeding but not with bottles.
Solution: Seek an oral feeding assessment to evaluate and support your baby’s oral motor skills.
Babies may prefer the ease of a bottle if feeding from the breast/chest feels challenging or unsafe. By identifying the root cause—like tongue mobility issues—you can help your baby regain the skills they need for effective and comfortable feeding.
Struggling with a Nursing Strike?
If your baby has stopped nursing, my Navigating Nursing Strikes Webinar is here to help. You’ll learn simple strategies to reconnect with your baby and get back to feeding with confidence.
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