Beak Confusion: Symptoms, Causes And Prevention
Typically, many babies have trouble feeding directly from the mother’s breast. Some even cause bruises when they are breastfed. Especially in the specific case of premature babies, it is common to see signs of pain in the mother when feeding the baby.
This happens because the baby, for not having a good ability to adhere to the nipple, tends to hurt at the time of breastfeeding. This situation is called nozzle confusion.
The use of a syringe is a good method to apply to children who cannot breastfeed without hurting the mother’s nipple. Let’s see in more detail what this problem consists of and how to solve it.
What is nozzle confusion and how does it happen?
Nipple confusion occurs when the baby is resistant to feeding on the mother’s nipple. The baby tends to prefer the nipple of the bottle due to the low effort it needs to make to obtain milk.
This problem usually occurs when babies are bottle-fed and the mother’s nipple at the same time. This alternation sends the wrong message to the baby and causes confusion at breastfeeding.
Although many mothers use the bottle at the time of breastfeeding because they have no other option, this can lead to confusion for the baby when he has to nurse from the nipple and the nipple alternately.
Typically, these cases occur with newborn babies who are separated from their mother at a crucial time.
It can also occur in babies who are artificially bottle-fed only when the mothers are not at home. This confusion can lead to what is known as a “breastfeeding strike”.
This “strike” affects the mother’s milk production and can cause mastitis. And, in cases where it is not treated in time, it implies the end of breastfeeding.
How to avoid and fix?
One of the ways you can prevent nipple confusion is to avoid giving babies pacifiers and bottles. Follow this recommendation for at least the first six weeks of life or, if possible, never offer pacifiers or bottles.
If it is necessary to use it for some force majeure reason, such as the fact that the mother needs to go back to work or when the baby is under the care of others, it is recommended to feed the baby with a slow-flow nipple.
In the same way, another measure that can be applied by the mother is to choose to use the syringe, placing the middle finger on the baby’s roof of mouth and letting it suck to obtain the milk.
Syringe Feeding Methods
Below, we will indicate some methods for carrying out syringe feeding:
- Syringes suitable for feeding babies can be 60 cm³ or smaller.
- When feeding the baby with this method, place the middle finger on the baby’s roof of mouth and, when he starts to breastfeed, let the milk slide from the syringe onto the finger.
- The mother should be seated, using both hands and in a comfortable position. It is also important that the baby is calm.
This method is ideal for babies who are premature or who tend to confuse the nipple with the nipple. This confusion can be fixed. But of course the mother needs patience and dedication. In addition, as already mentioned, it is recommended to get rid of baby bottles and pacifiers.
It is recommended that the mother nurse the baby when he is calm. You should not breastfeed in times of despair because you are hungry. This will allow the little one to adjust again to contact with the nipple.
Likewise, if the mother is a little scared because she doesn’t have a strong flow of milk, a few minutes before breastfeeding she can use the pump so that the breast is full when the baby starts to feed.
When is it appropriate to use the breast pump?
The breast pump is a useful tool when mothers feel their breasts are very full because they produce more milk than the baby breastfeeds. Therefore, it is necessary to relieve this weight of the breasts using the breast pump.
Thus, the father can also participate in the baby’s feeding process, being able to give this milk to the little one with the bottle.
As you can see, this confusion can be easily resolved . With just a little patience and the information provided here, you can get your baby to breastfeed without any problems.
