When breastfeeding newborns, it is common to encounter situations where the baby refuses to nurse from the mother's breast. Depending on the cause of the refusal, there are different solutions, but in general, there are four main reasons and corresponding solutions.
(1) The mother's breast may be swollen (due to excessive milk, pain, or hardness), making it difficult for the newborn to suckle.
In this case, the mother can apply a warm and soft clean cotton towel to the breast or soak the breast in warm water to reduce swelling. She can also try expressing some milk to soften the breast slightly, making it easier for the newborn to latch onto the nipple and not refuse the breast.
(2) The mother's milk may flow too fast, causing the newborn to choke during feeding.
In this situation, the mother can first express some milk to relieve breast pressure, ensuring that the milk doesn't flow too forcefully. Additionally, she can use her index and middle fingers to compress the breast, reducing the flow rate of milk. This way, the baby won't choke and will be less likely to refuse the breast.
(3) The mother's breast may cover the baby's nostrils, making it difficult for the baby to breathe.
In this case, the mother simply needs to gently move her breast away from the baby's face, and the baby will be willing to nurse.
(4) The baby's nose may be congested, causing breathing difficulties during feeding.
The solution is to clear the nasal secretions or use nasal drops as directed by a doctor. Once the baby's nose is clear, they will be able to feed normally.
