Question
My daughter still can’t breastfeed; she only knows how to suckle from a bottle. What’s going on? There hasn’t been any milk yet, and after trying to breastfeed her for two attempts, she stopped. Is this a sign of illness?
Answer
Your daughter may need time to get used to the breastfeeding process. It could also be due to a lack of proper holding techniques, making the baby uncomfortable or unwilling. You can try having the baby lie down while breastfeeding and gradually cultivate this habit. This situation might be because the baby is not necessarily hungry, or it could be due to brain tissue damage, which affects the suckling reflex. It is advisable to visit a regular hospital’s neurology department for a comprehensive examination to determine if there are any abnormalities. Breastfeeding newborns generally require both mother and child to learn how to position themselves correctly, and it requires the mother to have the correct breastfeeding posture. With some practice over time, this should improve.