Infant Feeding Challenges: Why Your Baby Refuses Milk

Not drinking milk?

Hello, I would like to ask about my baby who is currently one month old and weighs around 3800 grams (born at 3400 grams).
Last week, she was already around 3800 grams, and in the past week, she has not been eating well or normally.
We are exclusively breastfeeding, but I pump and feed her with a bottle, which she strongly rejects.
She only takes about 30-50 cc at night.
During the day, she resists swallowing, and when breastfeeding directly, her sucking is not very effective; she often sucks for 1-2 hours but seems to just be moving her mouth without swallowing.
She wakes up every half hour, which I suspect is due to hunger.
This often leads to her not sleeping well from the afternoon until 11-12 at night.
At this age, shouldn't babies be sleeping for longer periods? She hardly sleeps at all, but when I try to feed her, she refuses.
Sometimes, having the bottle in her mouth causes her to spit up (not just milk, but also what seems to be from her stomach).
What could be the reason for her refusal to drink? Seeing her like this makes my wife and me very sad.
Is there a reason for her not drinking milk? Could she be allergic to breast milk? What could be the cause? Please, doctor, I would appreciate any advice.
Thank you! My baby has a 0.6 cm ventricular septal defect.

kimi, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2006/11/09

Dr. Chen Rongtai reply Pediatrics

Hello Kimi's dad,
I am writing to address your concerns regarding your baby, who has had a poor appetite over the past week.
Your baby is now one month old and has only gained about 400 grams since birth, which is indeed concerning.
Additionally, you mentioned that your baby has a ventricular septal defect and experiences vomiting.
There are two main issues I would like you to pay attention to:
1.
Given that your baby has a ventricular septal defect, are there clinical signs of increased respiratory rate, tachycardia, cold sweats, decreased urine output, feeding difficulties, poor growth, or even hepatomegaly, which may indicate excessive cardiac burden leading to signs of heart failure?
2.
Regarding the vomiting, what is the frequency of this occurrence? Is there a possibility of an underlying gastrointestinal issue, such as hypertrophic pyloric stenosis? Hypertrophic pyloric stenosis in infants is primarily caused by extreme hypertrophy of the muscle layer of the pylorus, leading to elongation and narrowing, which results in obstruction.
Clinical symptoms typically appear in infants aged 3 to 6 weeks, although some patients may present symptoms earlier.
Vomiting is the main symptom, initially resembling a feeling of nausea, which gradually intensifies to projectile vomiting.
The vomitus consists of mucus and emulsified milk, and occasionally, there may be a small amount of blood due to gastric wall erosion, but it will never contain bile.
The above explanations are merely speculative regarding the symptoms, and the likelihood may not be high.
The most important step is to take your baby for a thorough examination by a pediatrician to obtain an accurate diagnosis.
Additionally, you may consult the neonatal unit of the hospital where your baby was born for more knowledge and experiences regarding breastfeeding.

Reply Date: 2006/11/09

More Info

It sounds like you are facing a challenging situation with your one-month-old baby who is refusing to drink milk. This can be distressing for both you and your partner, especially when you are trying to ensure your baby is getting enough nutrition. Let's break down the potential reasons for your baby's refusal to drink milk and some strategies you might consider.

Reasons for Milk Refusal
1. Feeding Method: Since you are exclusively breastfeeding but using a bottle, your baby may be experiencing confusion between the breast and the bottle. Babies often prefer the breast because it provides warmth, comfort, and the natural flow of milk. If your baby is not effectively latching onto the breast or bottle, it can lead to frustration and refusal to feed.

2. Gastroesophageal Reflux: If your baby is spitting up frequently or appears uncomfortable after feeding, it could be a sign of reflux. This condition can make feeding painful, leading to a refusal to drink milk.
3. Health Issues: Given that your baby has a ventricular septal defect (VSD) of 0.6 cm, it’s crucial to monitor her feeding closely. Heart conditions can affect a baby’s energy levels and overall feeding behavior. Babies with heart issues may tire easily while feeding, leading to ineffective sucking and swallowing.

4. Hunger Cues: Babies have different hunger cues, and if your baby is not showing typical signs of hunger, it may be difficult to get her to feed. Additionally, if she is waking frequently but not feeding well, it could indicate she is not getting enough nutrition, leading to a cycle of waking and fussiness.

5. Allergies or Sensitivities: While it is less common for infants to have a milk allergy at such a young age, it is still a possibility. If you suspect that your baby may be reacting negatively to something in your breast milk (such as dairy or other allergens), it may be worth discussing with your pediatrician.

Strategies to Encourage Feeding
1. Skin-to-Skin Contact: This can help stimulate your baby's natural feeding instincts. Holding your baby close can provide comfort and encourage her to latch on more effectively.

2. Experiment with Feeding Positions: Try different positions for breastfeeding or bottle-feeding. Some babies prefer a more upright position, while others may feel more comfortable in a cradle hold.

3. Use a Slow-Flow Nipple: If using a bottle, ensure that you are using a slow-flow nipple. This can help mimic the breastfeeding experience and may encourage your baby to suck more effectively.

4. Frequent, Short Feedings: Instead of trying to get your baby to feed for long periods, offer shorter, more frequent feedings. This can help reduce frustration and may make feeding less overwhelming for her.

5. Consult a Lactation Consultant: A lactation consultant can provide personalized support and strategies to improve your breastfeeding experience. They can help assess your baby's latch and feeding technique.

6. Monitor Weight and Growth: Keep track of your baby's weight and growth patterns. If she is not gaining weight appropriately, it is essential to consult your pediatrician for further evaluation and support.

7. Check for Medical Issues: Given your baby's heart condition, it is crucial to keep your pediatrician informed about her feeding challenges. They may recommend additional evaluations or interventions to ensure she is receiving adequate nutrition.

Conclusion
It's understandable to feel anxious when your baby is not feeding well, especially with her existing health condition. The combination of feeding method, potential reflux, and her heart condition could all contribute to her refusal to drink milk. By trying different feeding strategies and consulting with healthcare professionals, you can work towards finding a solution that ensures your baby is getting the nutrition she needs. Remember, you are not alone in this, and seeking help is a positive step towards supporting your baby's health and well-being.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Milk Aversion in Infants: Causes and Solutions

Hello Dr. Zhao, my child just turned five months old today. They weigh 8 kilograms and were born weighing 3420 grams. Since they were three months old, they have been refusing to drink milk for the past two months. Before the refusal, the baby would drink about 150cc every four h...

Dr. Zhao Yongkang reply Pediatrics
1. It is normal for children to have bowel movements. 2. Many gastrointestinal medications commonly used for children are probiotics, which can assist in their digestive function and can actually be taken long-term under a physician's guidance. 3. At five months old, you...

How to Ensure Nutritional Needs for an 8-Month-Old Baby Refusing Milk

The baby was born on July 4, 2016, and started refusing to drink milk on the evening of February 25, not taking even a sip from the bottle, only consuming solid foods. Initially, the baby experienced diarrhea after taking cold medicine, and after the doctor prescribed anti-diarrh...

Dr. Xiao Kaiwen reply Pediatrics
In principle, if the infant is not experiencing any illness (such as gastroenteritis with vomiting and diarrhea, or hand, foot, and mouth disease with oral ulcers preventing feeding, etc.), has normal activity levels, normal development, and weight gain without significant abnorm...

Understanding Infant Feeding: Addressing Milk Refusal and Solid Food Introduction

Hello Dr. Hsiao, I would like to ask about my baby who is now over 4 months old and is drinking Abbott Similac infant formula. Recently, he has started to show signs of milk aversion. Since he was one month old, he has been drinking 120cc every three hours, but now his intake var...

Dr. Xiao Kaiwen reply Pediatrics
As long as the child's growth and development curve is normal and has not fluctuated significantly (please refer to the growth chart in the child health handbook), the amount of milk consumed is sufficient for nutrition. If the growth and development curve is normal, activit...

Why Your Baby Refuses Bedtime Milk: Tips for Parents

Hello Doctor: My baby is currently 2 months old and I am feeding him a combination of breast milk and formula. When he was one and a half months old, I tried to eliminate the night feeding, so my last feeding was at 10 PM and the first meal in the morning is at 6 AM (he usually w...

Dr. Xiao Kaiwen reply Pediatrics
At two months old, an infant's stomach capacity is still limited, so it is not advisable to feed them too much milk before bedtime (feeding 180cc at once for infants under two months is somewhat excessive). At this stage, feeding should be based on the infant's needs. A...