What are the factors affecting a newborn baby's breastfeeding?
Dear mothers, it is a natural behavior for a healthy newborn to look for his mother's breast and tend to suckle after birth. For this reason, it is not considered normal for the baby to refuse the breast as soon as it is born.
However, in some special cases, newborn babies may have difficulty sucking or do not want to take the breast. This condition is often temporary and can be resolved by determining the underlying cause.
So what are the factors that affect the newborn baby's breastfeeding?
1. Wrong Breastfeeding Position and Wrong Placement
One of the most common problems during the breastfeeding process is that the baby is not placed correctly on the breast.
When the baby cannot latch on properly:
- He may not get enough milk,
- May have difficulty sucking,
- Can get tired easily,
- He may reject the breast.
Also, the wrong placement is on the mother;
- Nipple pain,
- Sensitivity,
- Cracks,
- Wounds that do not heal,
may cause formation.
Correct breastfeeding position is of great importance for both the mother's comfort and the baby's effective breastfeeding.
2. Drugs Used During and After Birth
Some analgesics, anesthetic drugs administered during birth or some drugs used after birth may affect the behavior of the newborn.
In some cases these drugs:
- Makes the baby sleepier,
- Weakening of the sucking reflex,
- Coordination problems,
- Having difficulty grasping the breast,
may cause.
This condition is usually temporary but may affect the initial period of breastfeeding.
3. Separation of Mother and Baby
It is important for the mother and baby to meet as early as possible after birth.
In some cases;
- Need for neonatal intensive care,
- Medical interventions,
- Health problems of mother or baby,
Mother and baby may be separated due to this reason.
Delaying skin-to-skin contact and postponing breastfeeding may negatively affect the baby's sucking behavior.
4. Mode of Birth and Birth Trauma
Studies conducted in recent years show that there may be a relationship between birth conditions and sucking ability.
Especially:
- Difficult births,
- Births requiring urgent intervention,
- Births using vacuum or forceps,
- Births that occur very quickly,
may affect the newborn's first breastfeeding experience.
Although this condition is not seen in every baby, it may cause the sucking reflex to start late in some babies.
5. Using a Bottle or Pacifier in the Early Period
The use of a pacifier or bottle in the early period after birth may affect sucking behavior in some babies.
Because the sucking technique between the breast and the bottle is different.
This situation occurs in some babies:
- Difficulty in latching on to the breast,
- Rejection of breast,
- Suction system malfunction,
may lead to results like
6. Oral Infections
Oral problems such as thrush and fungal infections can cause pain and discomfort during sucking.
Therefore baby:
- He may not want to suckle,
- He may leave the breast frequently,
- He may act restless.
If there are white plaques in the mouth or significant discomfort during feeding, a healthcare professional should be consulted.
7. Baby Is Restless and Crying Excessively
It is important to respond to babies' hunger signals at an early stage.
When signs of hunger go unnoticed and the baby waits for a long time:
- He may cry excessively,
- Can get angry,
- He may become restless.
In this case, it may become difficult for the baby to grasp the breast correctly and the sucking process may become more stressful.
8. Mother Being Stressed and Nervous
The postpartum period is a sensitive process emotionally as well as physically.
Intense stress, anxiety and tension in the mother can indirectly affect the breastfeeding process.
Babies can sense the emotional atmosphere around them and may show discomfort in some situations.
Therefore, it is important for the mother to rest, receive support and feel safe for both the breastfeeding process and the mother-baby bond.
Is a Newborn's Rejection of the Breast Permanent?
In most cases, no.
Breast rejection or difficulty latching can usually improve when the underlying cause is identified and appropriate support is provided. Therefore, the best approach is to get professional support without panicking.
Result
There are many factors that affect the newborn baby's breastfeeding. Wrong breastfeeding position, birth conditions, mother-baby separation, oral infections, early pacifier or bottle use, and the mother's psychological state are some of these. A baby's refusal to breastfeed does not always mean a permanent problem. Breastfeeding problems that are detected early and supported correctly can often be solved successfully.
Dietitian Yasemin Tangören Öztürk
June 23, 2026
