What should I do if my baby suddenly refuses to breastfeed?

Apr 24, 2023 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Ma Yan
Introduction
A baby suddenly refusing to breastfeed may be due to physiological factors, or pathological causes such as indigestion or oral ulcers. If the mother's milk supply is too low or excessively high, the baby might not get enough milk or may experience severe choking during feeding, leading to discomfort and subsequent refusal of breastfeeding. Besides the above-mentioned factors.

A baby suddenly refusing to breastfeed may be due to physiological factors, or it could result from pathological causes such as indigestion or oral ulcers. The specific analysis is as follows:

I. Physiological Factors

If the mother's milk supply is too low or excessively high, the baby might not get enough milk or may experience severe choking during feeding, which can lead to discomfort and subsequently cause refusal to breastfeed.

II. Pathological Factors

1. Indigestion

Due to the baby's immature gastrointestinal development, overfeeding may place stress on the digestive system, causing indigestion and a consequent decrease in appetite.

2. Oral Ulcers

Oral ulcers in babies may arise from low immunity or genetic factors, leading to pain and making the baby reluctant to eat.

Besides the above reasons, other oral conditions such as thrush may also be responsible. It is advisable to take the child to a pediatrician or dentist for further evaluation and treatment based on the underlying cause. In daily care, maintain good oral hygiene and encourage regular eating habits.