Baby Nipple Confusion

Nipple confusion, put simply, means that the baby does not know how to suck the mother’s breast properly. This is usually due to the fact that the baby has been fed both breastfeeding and the bottle, with various stimuli causing the baby to be confused by the nipple. The baby bottle may make it harder for the baby to stick to the breast, because when you suck the bottle, the suction is different from when the mother sucks on the breast. Nipple confusion sometimes also occurs in premature babies.

What does baby nipple confusion mean and what causes it?

A baby’s nipple confusion occurs when the baby resists eating from the mother’s breast. The baby prefers to eat a baby bottle because sucking it requires less effort to get milk. This problem often arises when a baby is fed with both a baby bottle and a breastfeeder at the same time. This sends conflicting messages to the baby and confuses him about sucking.

Many mothers use a baby bottle to feed their baby because they have no other options. The problem, however, can be that it confuses the baby when he tries to suck the baby bottle pacifier or the mother’s nipples.

Infant nipple embarrassment bothers a baby that has been separated from its mother at a crucial time. This may also be the case if the baby has been fed artificially when the mother has not been available. This can cause a so-called chest stroke or chest strokes in the baby.

Breast stroke can affect maternal milk production, which in turn can cause breast inflammation. If breast inflammation cannot be treated in time, it may mean that the mother is breast-feeding prematurely.

How can nipple confusion be prevented?

One way to prevent baby nipple confusion is to avoid giving the baby a pacifier or baby bottle. Avoid offering them to your baby for at least the first six months, but you may not offer them at all if it is not necessary. For example, if the mother needs to return to work, or a third party needs to take care of the baby, it is recommended to start feeding the baby with a baby bottle whose baby part regulates the milk slowly.

Another way is to use a syringe as an aid to eating. The mother can put her middle finger in the baby’s mouth regarding the palate, which the baby can suck, while injecting milk into the mouth.

How to feed a baby with a syringe?

• Syringes less than 60 mm can be used to feed the baby.
• To feed the baby with the syringe, place your middle finger in the baby’s mouth so that it touches the baby’s palate. As the baby begins to suck your finger, inject milk along your middle finger into the baby’s mouth.

• It is good for the mother to be in a comfortable position while sitting using both hands. It is important for the baby to be calm.

This method is well suited for feeding premature babies as well as babies who mix a nipple and a feeding bottle with a pacifier. Baby nipple confusion is overcome, but it requires patience and dedication.

As we mentioned earlier, experts recommend that your baby should not use a pacifier or baby bottle. It is also recommended to breastfeed your baby when he or she is calm. The baby should not be tried to breastfeed when you are in trouble due to the baby’s hunger, as the baby will try to get used to the nipples again. Similarly, if the mother fears that she will not get enough milk, it would be a good idea for the mother to pump with a breast pump for a few minutes before feeding the baby so that the mother’s breasts are full of milk as she breastfeeds her baby.

When should you use a breast pump?

A breast pump is a useful tool, for example, when a mother feels that her breasts are too full of milk because more milk is produced than the baby eats. For this reason, it may be necessary to empty the breasts slightly. This also offers the father the opportunity to participate in feeding the baby. The mother should only give the father a bottle of milk.