Fussy feeding or breast refusal: what to do

Why are they fussing?

Sometimes your baby will fuss or refuse to breastfeed. This can make you feel frustrated or even experience doubts about breastfeeding. It is best to work out what might be going on and then you can work out what to do about it.

Your baby may be fussy for many reasons:

• Tired: In the early weeks, your baby may seem fussy due to being overtired as they get used to a new sleep environment (sometimes you may confuse this with a baby being hungry).
• Milk flow: During feeding, the milk may come out too fast, making your baby cough, gulp, or feel overwhelmed.
• Difficulty digesting: After feeding, some babies may feel uncomfortable if they had too much milk too quickly. Instead of feeling sleepy, they may have trouble digesting the milk.
• Low milk supply: Fussiness can also mean your baby is hungry because there isn't enough milk. They may still seem hungry even after recently eating.
• Confused about feeding: if they have had bottles, dummy or nipple shields alot, they may become confused about breastfeeding, leading to fussiness.
• Trouble latching: Some babies find it hard to attach to the breast due to an awkward position or uncomfortable.
• Hot weather: babies may be thirstier and want to feed more often during hot weather.
• Not hungry: sometimes your baby might not be hungry regardless of when they have been on the breast.
   

What you can do

Work through the possible reasons for fussiness. 

Pay attention to:

• signs of tiredness
• understanding your milk supply
• limit sucking devices such as a dummy or bottle
• making sure your breasts are the main feeding method.

If you are struggling to understand what solutions work for you and your baby, or you have concerns your baby may have a serious issue, call your child and family health nurse, family doctor or the Australian Breastfeeding Association for support and guidance with your feeding.

https://www.breastfeeding.asn.au/

If you are not confident about breastfeeding, there are free services that can support you.

The following videos may also help with fussy feeding:

https://raisingchildren.net.au/newborns/breastfeeding-bottle-feeding/breastfeeding-videos