6 reasons why breastfeeding sometimes doesn’t work out
Too much milk, anatomical problems or the wrong position – there are many reasons why breastfeeding does not work right away. Many mothers then blame themselves prematurely. But the causes don’t always lie with the mother alone. We present the most common reasons.
1. Bulging breasts from too much milk
If a lot of milk rushes into the breast at the beginning, the breasts can become so full that it is difficult for the child to get hold of the nipple. You can gently squeeze the breast, which is a method or grip that makes it easier for your baby to reach the nipple with his mouth. Place your index finger and thumb on your chest, fingers about 3 centimeters from the nipple, and stroke towards the nipple.
2. The position is wrong
Especially at the beginning it is not so easy to find the right breastfeeding position and to put the baby on the breast correctly. The following applies here: practice makes perfect! Don’t despair, try different positions. Over time you will find out which position is best for you and your baby. You can find instructions on how to put your baby on on the internet.
3. Confusion when sucking
If you keep switching between the breast and the bottle, for example, it can happen that your baby doesn’t know which “food source” it is sitting at. After all, the nipple, teat or finger feeder feel different in his mouth. Humans are creatures of habit, some need a little more time, others less.
4. Anatomical reasons
Nipple is nipple, you might think. But when it comes to breastfeeding, every mother will find that this is not the case. Some women are found to have a flat or inverted nipple. If the nipple does not erect properly, your child will have difficulty reaching the nipple with their mouth. A nipple shield can help here.
5. Your baby is tired
Babies sleep 17-18 hours a day for the first few weeks. It’s no wonder that there can be difficulties with breastfeeding: your baby is tired and can’t really keep himself awake. Drinking is often unthinkable here. First try to establish a regularity and then gently wake the child up. If that doesn’t work, get advice from your midwife or lactation consultant.
6. No patience
You should consciously take your time for breastfeeding and not stress yourself. That’s sometimes easier said than done, but ultimately it’s all about your baby getting full. If it takes longer, be confident and think positively: breastfeeding is good preparation for every mother or parent, because children require patience over many years.
