There are many factors that contribute to feeding problems. Most of these problems can be managed with the help of a nurse or lactation specialist. It may therefore come as a surprise when your baby  is resistant  to feeding weeks or even months after you think this was no longer an  issue.

Common feeding problems

Change in taste of breastmilk :  The taste of breastmilk can change for a number of reasons. These include :

• new or different food in your diet
• pregnancy of nursing mother. This usually causes the baby to wean herself  a  few weeks or months after the mother conceives
• medication you are taking
• infection of the breast such as mastitis
• strenuous exercise which can lead to temporary buildup of lactic acid
• change in the taste of the skin  caused by lotion, oil or cream on the skin

Fixing the problem  :  These tips can help resolve the problem

• avoid new food
• change  or stop medication
• do less strenuous exercises
• avoid applying oil or lotion to the breast
• seek medical help if you have mastitis and encourage the baby to breastfeed in order to drain the breast. Once the infection has passed, the taste will go way

Stress : When you are stressed out, the emotions can be communicated to your baby making it difficult for her to settle  down and feed well. It is not easy to eliminate all sources of stress from our lives but there are thing you can do to help you relax before breast-feeding .

How to fix the problem : Moments  before breastfeeding, try  to put upsetting thoughts out of your mind.  In the meantime you may want to consider ways to reduce your stress such as engaging in yoga

Sick baby : If your  baby is not feeling well, it may make it difficult for her to feed. These symptoms may indicate that your baby is not feeling well.

• loss of apetite
• fever
• vomiting
• coughing
• diarrhea
• difficulty breathing

Contact your pediatrician if you suspect that your baby is sick.

How to fix the problem : Sickness will definitely have an affect on your child’s feeding pattern.  If your baby has a  cold and clogged nostrils which is making it difficult to breath while eating or an ear infection which is making nursing difficult, clear the infant’s nasal passages with a bulb syringe prior to feeding to  help with temporary nasal congestion. Teething can also cause gum pain during nursing . Thrush can also be painful and require medical attention.

Dehydration : You can tell if your baby is getting enough breastmilk by monitoring her physical appearance, weight  gain and diaper content. Call your doctor if you notice signs of dehydration such as

• dry mouth
• few or no tears
• fewer wet diapers than usual

Dehydration is uncommon in breast-fed  babies . However  can be dangerous and more likely to occur when the baby or is experiencing frequent diarrhea or vomiting.

Spitting up : Some babies take in good amount of milk but then spill a large quantity of it out after each feeding.  Spitting is common during and after feeding. You generally dont have to be concerned about spitting up unless it is preventing your baby from getting enough milk.

How to fix the problem : Spitting up can be minimized if you keep your breastfeeding sessions calm and quiet as possible.  Try to avoid interruptions, sudden noises , bright light as well as  other distractions. It is important to keep your baby upright during and after feeding.  Try to burp your baby after each feeding. Dont play vigorously  with your baby immediately after feeding

If your baby vomits forcefully more than once or if you notice blood or dark green color when she vomit, call the pediatrician right away.