Breastfeed is among the most efficient methods to guarantee child health and survival. Nevertheless, despite WHO guidelines, less than 50% of infants under six months old are exclusively breastfed.
What is Breastfeeding?
Breastfeeding (mother-fed) is the perfect nourishment for babies. It is safe, hygienic, and contains antibodies that help defend against numerous common childhood diseases. Breastmilk supplies all the energy and nutrients that an infant requires for the initial months of life, continuing to fulfill up to 50% or more of a child’s nutritional requirements in the second half of the first year, and up to 33% during the second year of life.
The frequency of breastfeeding your baby depends on whether they prefer smaller, more frequent meals or longer feedings. This pattern will evolve as your baby grows.
Newborns typically need to be fed every 2–3 hours. By 2 months of age, feeding every 3–4 hours is usual, and by 6 months, most babies feed every 4-5 hours.
If your baby won’t breastfeed but is happy with a bottle, there are various strategies you can employ to encourage breastfeeding. These include creating a structured feeding schedule, pumping regularly, experimenting with different nursing positions, and various other methods.
This guide will discuss what to do if your baby won’t breastfeed but will drink from a bottle.
Why Does Your Baby Prefer the Bottle Over Breastfeeding?
Breastfeeding is instinctual, yet it must also be acquired. Numerous factors may cause a baby to struggle with attaching or maintaining an attachment. Some of these factors include:
- Birth-Related Factors: A baby born prematurely or with a difficult birth might initially find it hard to nurse effectively.
- Medical Issues: Conditions such as tongue-tie, cleft palate, or jaundice can complicate the nursing process.
- Pain or Discomfort: Conditions like teething, oral yeast infection, or a fever blister can lead to discomfort in the mouth while the mother feeds. Similarly, ear inflammation can result in pain when suckling or resting on a particular side.
- Stressful Environment: A stressful environment could lead to overstimulation, delayed feeding, prolonged separation, fussiness, and nursing challenges. Reacting strongly to a bite during breastfeeding could similarly impact breastfeeding sessions.
- Breastfeeding Techniques: Ensuring proper support for their neck, shoulders, and back ought to enable them to tilt their head rearward and swallow comfortably.
Position your infant near your breast and allow them to self-latch. Refrain from inclining your breast towards your baby’s mouth, as this action may result in an inadequate connection.
What To Do If Your Baby Refuses To Breastfeed But Will Take A Bottle?
Experiencing a breastfeeding aversion can be unsettling for both you and your baby. You may feel unwanted and Upset. However, remember not to blame yourself; the situation is beyond your control.
Pump milk as often as your baby is nursing to prevent swelling and maintain your milk supply. Give your infant the expressed milk with a spoon, dropper, or bottle. Furthermore, you could:
Keep trying. If your baby is feeling irritated, pause and retry at a later time. Consider offering nourishment when your baby is extremely sleepy.
Positions. Try different breastfeeding positions.
Manage interruptions. Try feeding your baby in a calm environment with no distractions.
Give your baby a Hug. Holding your infant close with skin-to-skin contact may reignite your baby’s enthusiasm for nursing. Test if your baby will latch on during a shared warm bath.
The most common question about baby bites, If your baby bites while breastfeeding, keep composed and gently insert your finger into their mouth to swiftly release the latch, addressing the issue of biting.
Continue expressing milk regularly to guarantee a consistent milk supply for your baby. The most important factor is to feed a baby while addressing these obstacles. During the initial weeks, it is optimal to express milk from the breasts 8 to 10 times daily to ensure thorough emptying.
Common Signs Your Baby Is Hungry
One of the most prevalent ways your baby will communicate their hunger is through crying. Additional indications that suggest your baby is prepared to eat comprise:
- Tongue movements or lip licking
- Rooting, denoting the action of maneuvering their jaw, mouth, or head to seek your breast
- Self-soothing by placing their hand in their mouth
- Mouth opening
- Restlessness
- Chewing on objects
If a Breastfeeding protest extends beyond a few days, your baby exhibits a decrease in the number of wet diapers, or you harbor worries regarding your Baby’s nursing challenges, seek advice from your baby’s physician.
