FAQs on Breastfeeding: Why do some babies suddenly stop breastfeeding?

The cause may be as simple as the mother beginning to smell different; for example, if she eats a lot of garlic, or uses a new kind of soap or perfume. On the other hand, it may be something serious, For instance, a baby who stops suckling may have developed a serious infection or may have suffered brain damage.

Other cases include a very small baby weighing less than 1800 gms who needs expressed breast milk given with a cup or bondla (also called paladai or jhinook) until she can suckle more strongly; a baby having a blocked nose due to a cold or once having thrush (a fungal infection) in her mouth; a baby who is used to the teat of a bottle, and one who has been separated from the mother for some time.

Sometimes, a mother may have an oversupply of milk and a large amount of milk may pour into the baby’s mouth, making her choke. In such cases, we advise the mother to express some milk before each feed. Or the mother could lie on her back, and keep the baby on her chest and then breastfeed. Sometimes, of course, the baby may really not be getting enough milk.

_{Source: Book – Guide to Child Care by Dr R K Anand}

_{To consult Dr R K Anand in person, click here}

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