Discover the surprising truth about breast refusal and strikes in lactation – what every breastfeeding mom needs to know!
| Step | Action | Novel Insight | Risk Factors |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Determine the cause | Breast refusal can be caused by nipple confusion, bottle preference, or milk supply decrease. A nursing strike can be caused by teething, illness, or a change in routine. | Delay in identifying the cause can lead to a decrease in milk supply and frustration for both the mother and baby. |
| 2 | Seek help from a lactation consultant | A lactation consultant can help identify the cause of the refusal or strike and provide guidance on how to address it. | Delay in seeking help can lead to a prolonged refusal or strike and a decrease in milk supply. |
| 3 | Increase skin-to-skin contact | Skin-to-skin contact can help increase milk supply and promote bonding between the mother and baby. | Lack of skin-to-skin contact can lead to a decrease in milk supply and a decrease in bonding between the mother and baby. |
| 4 | Experiment with breastfeeding positions | Different breastfeeding positions can help alleviate discomfort for the baby and promote a better latch. | Using the same breastfeeding position can lead to discomfort for the baby and a decrease in milk supply. |
| 5 | Use engorgement relief techniques | Engorgement relief techniques, such as warm compresses and hand expression, can help alleviate discomfort for the mother and promote milk flow. | Lack of engorgement relief techniques can lead to a decrease in milk supply and discomfort for the mother. |
| 6 | Adjust pumping schedule | Adjusting the pumping schedule can help increase milk supply and promote a better latch. | Lack of pumping or an inconsistent pumping schedule can lead to a decrease in milk supply and a prolonged refusal or strike. |
| 7 | Consider supplemental feeding methods | Supplemental feeding methods, such as finger feeding or a supplemental nursing system, can help provide the baby with additional nutrition while still promoting breastfeeding. | Overreliance on supplemental feeding methods can lead to a decrease in milk supply and a decrease in bonding between the mother and baby. |
Breast refusal and nursing strikes can be frustrating for both the mother and baby. It is important to determine the cause and seek help from a lactation consultant as soon as possible. Increasing skin-to-skin contact, experimenting with breastfeeding positions, using engorgement relief techniques, adjusting the pumping schedule, and considering supplemental feeding methods can all help alleviate the issue. However, it is important to be cautious of overreliance on supplemental feeding methods and to prioritize bonding between the mother and baby.
Contents
- How can a lactation consultant help with breast refusal or strike?
- How does nipple confusion contribute to breast refusal and what can be done about it?
- Why is skin-to-skin contact important during a breastfeeding strike and how does it help resolve the issue?
- What are some effective engorgement relief techniques when dealing with breast refusal or strikes?
- What supplemental feeding methods may be necessary if baby continues to refuse the breast?
- Common Mistakes And Misconceptions
How can a lactation consultant help with breast refusal or strike?
| Step | Action | Novel Insight | Risk Factors |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Assess the situation | A lactation consultant will first assess the mother and baby’s medical history, breastfeeding history, and current feeding patterns to determine the cause of the breast refusal or strike. | None |
| 2 | Address any underlying issues | The lactation consultant will address any underlying issues that may be contributing to the breast refusal or strike, such as milk supply concerns, nipple pain or damage, or positioning and latch techniques. | None |
| 3 | Provide suck training exercises | The lactation consultant may provide suck training exercises to help the baby improve their latch and suckling ability. | None |
| 4 | Offer bottle-feeding alternatives | The lactation consultant may offer bottle-feeding alternatives, such as cup feeding or finger feeding, to avoid nipple confusion and maintain breastfeeding. | None |
| 5 | Introduce supplemental nursing systems (SNS) | The lactation consultant may introduce supplemental nursing systems (SNS) to provide additional milk while the baby is at the breast, encouraging them to continue breastfeeding. | None |
| 6 | Develop personalized care plans | The lactation consultant will develop personalized care plans for the mother and baby, taking into account their unique needs and circumstances. | None |
| 7 | Provide emotional support for mothers | The lactation consultant will provide emotional support for mothers who may be feeling frustrated or overwhelmed by the breast refusal or strike. | None |
| 8 | Refer to medical professionals if necessary | The lactation consultant may refer the mother and baby to medical professionals if necessary, such as a pediatrician or lactation physician. | None |
| 9 | Educate on breastfeeding benefits and risks | The lactation consultant will educate the mother on the benefits and risks of breastfeeding, helping her make informed decisions about her feeding choices. | None |
| 10 | Support working mothers who breastfeed | The lactation consultant will provide support for working mothers who breastfeed, helping them navigate the challenges of pumping and storing breast milk. | None |
| 11 | Offer telehealth consultations | The lactation consultant may offer telehealth consultations for mothers who are unable to attend in-person appointments. | None |
How does nipple confusion contribute to breast refusal and what can be done about it?
| Step | Action | Novel Insight | Risk Factors |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Avoid bottle feeding and pacifier use for the first few weeks of life. | Bottle feeding and pacifier use can cause nipple confusion, making it difficult for the baby to latch onto the breast. | If the baby is given a bottle or pacifier too early, they may develop a preference for the artificial nipple and refuse the breast. |
| 2 | Ensure proper latching on and sucking pattern. | A proper latch and sucking pattern are essential for successful breastfeeding. | Improper latching on and sucking pattern can cause nipple pain and damage, leading to breast refusal. |
| 3 | Increase milk supply through frequent breastfeeding and breast compression. | A low milk supply can contribute to breast refusal. | If the baby is not getting enough milk, they may become frustrated and refuse the breast. |
| 4 | Experiment with different breastfeeding positions. | Different positions can help the baby latch on and feed more effectively. | Some positions may be more comfortable for the mother and allow for better milk flow. |
| 5 | Consider using a supplemental nursing system (SNS) or finger feeding. | These methods can help supplement the baby’s feeding while still encouraging breastfeeding. | SNS and finger feeding can be time-consuming and require extra preparation. |
| 6 | Practice skin-to-skin contact. | Skin-to-skin contact can help promote bonding and encourage breastfeeding. | Skin-to-skin contact may not be possible in all situations, such as if the mother has a medical condition or the baby is in the NICU. |
| 7 | Use a nipple shield or seek treatment for tongue-tie or lip-tie if necessary. | Nipple shields can help the baby latch on and feed more effectively, while tongue-tie and lip-tie can interfere with breastfeeding. | Nipple shields should only be used under the guidance of a lactation consultant, and treatment for tongue-tie or lip-tie may require a medical procedure. |
| 8 | Monitor for breast milk jaundice. | Breast milk jaundice can cause the baby to become lethargic and refuse to feed. | Breast milk jaundice is a temporary condition that usually resolves on its own, but it is important to monitor the baby’s feeding and seek medical attention if necessary. |
| 9 | Be patient and persistent. | Breast refusal can be frustrating, but it is important to remain patient and persistent in encouraging breastfeeding. | Breastfeeding can take time and practice, and it may require trial and error to find what works best for both the mother and baby. |
Why is skin-to-skin contact important during a breastfeeding strike and how does it help resolve the issue?
| Step | Action | Novel Insight | Risk Factors |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Place baby skin-to-skin on your chest | Skin-to-skin contact releases bonding hormones that can help resolve breastfeeding strikes | None |
| 2 | Offer the breast to the baby | Breast refusal can be caused by nipple confusion or discomfort, so offering the breast in a comfortable position can help | None |
| 3 | Use baby-led weaning techniques | Allowing the baby to take the lead in nursing can help them feel more in control and less resistant to breastfeeding | None |
| 4 | Try comfort nursing | Comfort nursing can help the baby feel more relaxed and willing to nurse | None |
| 5 | Use paced bottle feeding | Paced bottle feeding can help prevent overfeeding and reduce the risk of nipple confusion | None |
| 6 | Cluster feed | Cluster feeding can help increase milk supply and encourage the baby to nurse more frequently | None |
| 7 | Address engorgement | Engorgement can make breastfeeding uncomfortable for both the mother and baby, so addressing it can help resolve breastfeeding strikes | None |
| 8 | Address nursing aversion | Nursing aversion can make breastfeeding uncomfortable for the mother, so addressing it can help resolve breastfeeding strikes | None |
| 9 | Experiment with different breastfeeding positions and latching techniques | Finding a comfortable position and latching technique can help make breastfeeding more successful | None |
| 10 | Seek help from a lactation consultant | A lactation consultant can provide personalized support and guidance to help resolve breastfeeding strikes | None |
What are some effective engorgement relief techniques when dealing with breast refusal or strikes?
| Step | Action | Novel Insight | Risk Factors |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Apply warm compresses | Warm compresses can help increase blood flow and milk flow, making it easier for the baby to latch on. | Be careful not to overheat the breast, which can cause burns or discomfort. |
| 2 | Hand express milk | Hand expression can help relieve engorgement and stimulate milk production. | Be sure to use clean hands and a clean container to collect the milk. |
| 3 | Use cold compresses | Cold compresses can help reduce swelling and pain. | Be careful not to use cold compresses for too long, as this can reduce milk production. |
| 4 | Massage the breast | Massage can help relieve engorgement and improve milk flow. | Be gentle and avoid massaging too hard, which can cause discomfort or damage to the breast tissue. |
| 5 | Try different nursing positions | Different positions can help the baby latch on more easily and relieve engorgement. | Be patient and try different positions until you find one that works for you and your baby. |
| 6 | Use a supplemental nursing system | A supplemental nursing system can help provide extra milk to the baby while encouraging them to breastfeed. | Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully and clean the system thoroughly after each use. |
| 7 | Seek support from a lactation consultant or breastfeeding support group | A lactation consultant or support group can provide guidance and support during difficult breastfeeding situations. | Be sure to find a qualified and experienced consultant or group. |
What supplemental feeding methods may be necessary if baby continues to refuse the breast?
| Step | Action | Novel Insight | Risk Factors |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Try cup feeding | Cup feeding involves using a small cup to feed the baby instead of a bottle. This method can help prevent nipple confusion and promote breastfeeding. | Cup feeding requires some practice and may not be suitable for all babies. |
| 2 | Consider finger feeding | Finger feeding involves using a small tube attached to a syringe to feed the baby. This method can help the baby associate feeding with the breast and promote breastfeeding. | Finger feeding requires some practice and may not be suitable for all babies. There is a risk of the baby biting the tube and causing injury. |
| 3 | Use a supplemental nursing system (SNS) | An SNS is a device that allows the baby to receive supplemental milk while breastfeeding. This method can help stimulate milk production and promote breastfeeding. | SNS use requires some practice and may not be suitable for all babies. There is a risk of the baby pulling the tube out of their mouth and causing injury. |
| 4 | Consider formula supplementation | Formula supplementation may be necessary if the baby is not getting enough milk from breastfeeding. This method can help ensure the baby is getting adequate nutrition. | Formula supplementation may decrease milk production and interfere with breastfeeding. |
| 5 | Try breast milk expression | Breast milk expression involves using a breast pump to remove milk from the breast. This method can help stimulate milk production and provide milk for supplemental feeding. | Breast milk expression requires a breast pump and may not be suitable for all mothers. Overuse of a breast pump can cause nipple soreness and decrease milk production. |
| 6 | Consider donor milk | Donor milk is milk from a lactating mother that is donated to a milk bank. This method can provide milk for supplemental feeding if the mother is unable to produce enough milk. | Donor milk may not be readily available and can be expensive. There is a risk of transmitting infections through donor milk. |
| 7 | Seek help from a lactation consultant | A lactation consultant can provide support and guidance for breastfeeding difficulties. | Lactation consultants may not be readily available or affordable. |
| 8 | Use nursing strike support strategies | Nursing strike support strategies involve promoting breastfeeding through skin-to-skin contact, nipple shield use, and breast massage and compression techniques. | Nursing strike support strategies may require some practice and may not be suitable for all babies. There is a risk of nipple confusion with nipple shield use. |
| 9 | Adjust feeding schedule | Adjusting the feeding schedule can help promote breastfeeding by ensuring the baby is hungry and willing to breastfeed. | Adjusting the feeding schedule may require some trial and error and may not be suitable for all babies. Overfeeding can interfere with breastfeeding. |
Common Mistakes And Misconceptions
| Mistake/Misconception | Correct Viewpoint |
|---|---|
| Breast refusal and strike are the same thing. | Breast refusal is when a baby refuses to nurse, while a nursing strike is when a previously breastfeeding baby suddenly stops nursing for several days or more. It’s important to differentiate between the two because they have different causes and require different approaches to resolve them. |
| A breastfed baby will never refuse to nurse or go on a nursing strike. | While it’s true that most breastfed babies take readily to nursing, some may experience periods of breast refusal or strikes due to various reasons such as teething, illness, changes in routine, etc. These situations can be resolved with patience and persistence from both the mother and baby. |
| If my baby refuses my breast once, it means they’re weaning themselves off breastfeeding altogether. | One instance of breast refusal doesn’t necessarily mean your baby is ready to stop breastfeeding entirely; there could be many reasons why they refused at that particular moment (e.g., distracted by something else). Keep offering your breast regularly and try different positions if needed until your baby resumes feeding normally again. |
| Nursing strikes always indicate that there’s something wrong with my milk supply or quality. | While low milk supply or poor milk quality can contribute to nursing strikes in some cases, other factors like teething pain, ear infections, developmental milestones (e.g., crawling), etc., can also cause temporary disruptions in breastfeeding patterns even if your milk production is adequate. |
| The only way I can get my child back on track after a nursing strike is by supplementing with formula. | Supplementing with formula should not be the first option when dealing with a nursing strike since it may further reduce your milk supply over time if you don’t continue pumping frequently enough during this period. Instead, focus on maintaining skin-to-skin contact with your child as much as possible while offering your breast frequently and trying different nursing positions. You can also try expressing some milk before feeding to encourage letdown or using a nipple shield if necessary. |