For first-time parents, a child who is reluctant to breastfeed is certainly a concern. It is important to find out why a child is reluctant to breastfeed to address this common concern.

Breast milk is an important source of nutrients for children in the first months of life. Health experts always recommend exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months to help children receive as many benefits as possible, including essential nutrients and strong immunity. In newborn care, if a child is found to be reluctant to breastfeed, the mother needs to find out the cause to promptly correct it, ensuring that the child receives the necessary nutrition for healthy growth and development.

How much is enough for a baby to breastfeed?

Parents often wonder how much is enough for a newborn baby to breastfeed. You need to know that at different stages, children will have different milk needs to ensure proper nutrition and development. On the other hand, each child has a different physical condition and needs, so mothers will gradually adjust the amount of milk to best suit their child.

Nutritionists always encourage breastfeeding.

Newborns 0 – 2 months

In the first few days of life, newborns have small stomachs and only need about 5ml to 7ml of milk per feeding. As your baby grows, the amount of milk needed will gradually increase.

Newborns need to feed about 8 – 12 times a day, every 2 – 3 hours. This regular feeding schedule is necessary to meet their nutritional needs and support healthy development.

2 – 3 months

At this stage, babies usually feed 6 – 8 times a day. Each feeding occurs every 3 to 5 hours. Your baby’s stomach capacity has increased, allowing them to feed less often but in larger amounts.

4 – 5 months

Babies at this age usually breastfeed 5 – 6 times a day, every 3 – 5 hours. Parents may notice that their baby is feeding more efficiently and getting more milk per feeding.

6 months and older

By the time your baby is six months old, he or she will usually be feeding at least five times a day, every four to five hours. At this point, some babies may also start to show an interest in solid foods as a supplement to breast milk.

At each age, the need for milk in children will be different.

To estimate the total amount of milk a newborn needs each day, parents can base it on the baby’s weight. Multiply the baby’s weight by 150 to calculate the minimum amount of milk needed each day. For example, a baby weighing 4kg will need at least 600ml of milk per day (4kg x 150 = 600ml).

It is important to remember that each baby has individual feeding needs based on their body condition and growth pattern. These guidelines only provide a general formula, parents should monitor their baby’s growth and feeding, adjusting the amount of milk as necessary. Regular consultation with a paediatrician can provide further guidance and ensure that the baby is getting adequate nutrition.

Reasons why babies are reluctant to breastfeed

Here are some reasons why babies are reluctant to breastfeed that parents need to pay attention to:

Health problems

Abnormal health conditions can make babies uncomfortable and reluctant to breastfeed, which can include digestive disorders or painful illnesses such as throat infections… These problems can affect babies in the first months of life, making them more reluctant to breastfeed.

Changes in the taste of breast milk

A mother’s diet can affect the taste of milk. Foods with strong spices, strong odors or sour tastes can change the taste, leading to babies being reluctant to breastfeed. Babies can sense these changes and may refuse to breastfeed.

Babies who are lazy to breastfeed always make mothers worry, especially when they are first-time mothers.

Nipple Abnormalities

Nipple abnormalities, such as inverted nipples or nipples that are too large for the baby’s mouth, can make breastfeeding difficult. These physical problems can make it difficult for the baby to latch on properly, leading to a reluctance to breastfeed.

Incorrect breastfeeding position

Incorrect breastfeeding position is a common cause of reluctance to breastfeed. If the position is uncomfortable or if milk does not flow evenly from both breasts, the baby may be less likely to want to breastfeed.

Micronutrient Deficiencies

A lack of essential micronutrients such as zinc, calcium, and B vitamins can contribute to a reluctance to breastfeed. Symptoms of deficiencies may include slow weight gain, restless sleep, excessive sweating, and frequent restlessness. For accurate diagnosis and supplementation, it is important to see a specialist to determine the specifics.

How to fix a baby who is reluctant to breastfeed

Tackling a baby who is reluctant to breastfeed is crucial to ensuring that your baby receives the valuable nutrients from breast milk. Identifying the underlying causes and implementing the following solutions will help to effectively encourage breastfeeding.

You need to find out early the reason why your baby is lazy to breastfeed to find a solution.

For exclusively breastfed babies

Adjust the mother’s diet

Mothers should ensure a balanced diet rich in protein, carbohydrates, fat, vitamins and minerals. Avoiding greasy, fried and spicy foods can improve the quality of milk, making the baby more interested in breastfeeding.

Establish a breastfeeding routine

It is very helpful to breastfeed frequently. Mothers should divide it into many feedings during the day, each about 2 – 3 hours apart. Avoid forcing the baby to feed when full and avoid the baby being hungry for a long time before feeding.

Change the breastfeeding position

Changing the breastfeeding position can help the baby feel more comfortable and ready to breastfeed. Many mothers find that carrying the baby around the house or gently rocking can encourage better breastfeeding.

Solve nipple and milk flow problems

If the baby has difficulty breastfeeding due to the shape of the nipple or a large amount of milk, the mother can express milk and feed the baby with a spoon or bottle. Gently massaging the breast in a clockwise direction can also help stimulate milk production.

Health monitoring

If your baby is reluctant to breastfeed due to illness, it is important to closely monitor your baby’s health. Medical examination and treatment of health problems will also help to resolve breastfeeding problems.

For formula-fed babies

For formula-fed babies, mothers should note the following steps:

For bottle-fed babies, it is necessary to find the right type of milk and bottle to encourage the baby to drink more.

Choosing the Right Formula

Choosing a formula that suits your baby’s taste preferences and provides adequate nutrition is essential. Ensuring that the formula meets your baby’s developmental needs can encourage frequent feeding.

Choosing the Right Bottle and Nipple

Choose a bottle with a nipple size that fits your baby’s mouth. Make sure the flow of the bottle is appropriate – not too fast or too slow – to help your baby drink easily.

Monitoring Feeding Intervals

Pay attention to the time between feedings and how much your baby drinks at each feeding. Adjusting the schedule and amount of feedings as needed can help maintain a consistent feeding schedule.

Addressing a fussy baby requires patience and persistence. Carefully monitoring how your baby drinks, how much he drinks, and his overall health and comfort while feeding is important to ensure he gets the nutrition he needs for healthy growth and development.