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