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What Causes Abrupt Breast Refusal In An Infant?

Posted on Sat, 10 Sep 2016

Question: Hi dr. my son was born on 6th August. Initially, he was not taking breastfeed directly. I had to express milk and feed him with spoons. Now he has started taking my feed and keeps on latching for 1-2 hours but still does not get satisfied. I have to finally feed him my breast milk with spoons. And then he gets satisfied. Pls suggest what to do.

Answered by Dr. Sumanth Amperayani (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Please continue breast feeding - it will take time for him to get adjusted

Detailed Answer:
Hi... Please do continue to directly breast feed your baby. It will take some time for him to get adjusted to sucking at the nipple.

The scientific reason behind what you are facing is simple. Sucking at the breast requires work from baby's side, whereas spoon feeding doesn't. So baby is preferring an easier feeding method.

He will gradually get used to feeding in few weeks time. Please continue direct breastfeeding.

Regards - Dr. Sumanth

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Sumanth Amperayani (6 minutes later)

But my baby continuosly cries and eventually I have to feed him with spoon. Should I use bottle instead of spoon? It is becoming really tiresome to feed him with spoon.

Answered by Dr. Sumanth Amperayani (28 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Please avoid bottle feeding as it can cause nipple confusion

Detailed Answer:
Hi....Avoid bottle feeding as it might cause -

1. Nipple confusion.
2. Dental caries in future.
3. Recurrent upper respiratory infection and ear infections.
4. This problem of avoiding direct breast feeding may get aggravated.

So, though difficult initially, I suggest you to continue direct breastfeeding for long term benefit.

Regards - Dr. Sumanth

Note: For further queries related to your child health, Talk to a Pediatrician. Click here to Book a Consultation.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar