What should I do if my five-month-old baby doesn't want to breastfeed?
Disease description:
My baby is five months old and has recently developed a problem of not wanting to breastfeed. What should I do if a five-month-old baby refuses to breastfeed?
When a 5-month-old baby shows a decreased interest in feeding, parents can take the following measures:
1. **Identify the cause:** Observe whether the baby has common causes such as indigestion, gastrointestinal dysfunction, or whether he or she is teething or suffering from a viral infection—these factors may all affect the baby's appetite.
2. **Adjust feeding habits:** Try feeding smaller amounts more frequently, avoid force-feeding, and ensure the number of night feedings is appropriate to prevent excessive feedings that may affect the baby's sleep and gastrointestinal health.
3. **Increase physical activity:** Appropriately increase the baby's physical activity to expend energy and enhance hunger, which may help improve appetite.
4. **Physical therapy:** Parents can gently massage the baby's abdomen in a clockwise direction to promote gastrointestinal motility and aid digestion.
If the baby's disinterest in feeding persists and affects growth and development, it is recommended to seek timely medical attention and consult a professional physician for guidance.