How sucking at the breast works
Babies master sucking immediately after birth. The reason for this is their innate sucking reflex. After a few weeks of training, the reflex is no longer necessary because the correct technique has now been perfected through diligent repetition.
What is a sucking confusion?
If the reflex atrophies even before the infant has properly learned to drink at the breast, suction confusion occurs. The breast milk does not flow or flows only weakly, and the baby is dissatisfied with the result: it refuses the breast and goes on breast strike.
Suction confusion: Causes
Various aids – used too early, too often, and in combination – promote suction confusion. Thus, in many cases, suction confusion is caused
- by pacifiers,
- by bottle teats or soothers, and/or
- by breastfeeding caps.
Preventing sucking confusion
Of course, you have no influence on what your child does in the womb. After birth, however, it is easy to prevent sucking confusion. Mothers should refrain from switching back and forth between bottle teats, pacifiers, soothers and breasts, especially during the first six weeks after birth.
- Use the pacifier only in good doses – “as little as possible, as much as necessary”.
- Also, make sure you put your baby on properly.
Suckling confusion: symptoms
There are some signs that may indicate suckling confusion, but can also occur with other breastfeeding problems.
Signs in the baby:
- refuses the breast and cries
- sucks briefly, but stops again immediately – crying or not
- is extremely restless and agitated during breastfeeding
- “sucks” on the nipple, does not drink properly (no swallowing heard), and the milk does not flow
- instead of swallowing, rather clicking or smacking sounds are heard
- when sucking, dimples are formed, similar to sucking on a straw
Signs in the mother:
- after breastfeeding the breast is not “empty” and soft
- feeling of tension, milk congestion, inflammation of the breast (mastitis)
- sore nipples
What to do in case of suction confusion?
- Do not put yourself under pressure and stay calm!
- Outsmart the child while half asleep: A hungry and awake child is rarely willing to compromise.
- Manually trigger the milk-giving reflex before breastfeeding. This facilitates the flow of milk, and the baby succeeds more quickly.
- Physical contact and a few drops of milk will soothe a restless baby before breastfeeding.
- Check breastfeeding position and latch-on: The mouth must enclose the nipple including the areola.
- If possible, do not use aids such as bottle teats and pacifiers for suction confusion.
- Breastfeeding caps can sometimes make the journey from bottle to breast easier, but should only be used briefly.
