When your newborn is not feeding, every moment can feel like an emergency. It’s one of the most common worries for new parents, but understanding the potential causes can empower you to take the right steps. This article, guided by the expert neonatologists at Borneo Hospitals, explores seven key reasons why a baby not feeding might be a problem.
These range from simple issues like difficulty latching or a sleepy disposition, to more serious concerns such as infections, jaundice (Piliya), or physical conditions like tongue-tie. We will walk you through each possibility, helping you identify the signs to watch for.
Our goal is to provide clear, actionable advice to help you navigate this stressful time. We’ll cover what you can do at home to encourage feeding, like ensuring a comfortable position and managing your milk flow, and also highlight the critical “red flag” symptoms that mean you should seek medical help immediately.
Remember, you are not alone. Whether it’s a minor feeding challenge or a sign of a more complex issue requiring specialised neonatal care, understanding the ‘why’ is the first step. The health and well-being of your child is the utmost priority, and knowing when to consult a newborn specialist can make all the difference.
Introduction
For a new parent, there is no sweeter sound than the gentle suckling of their baby, a sign that they are nourished and content. So, when a baby is not feeding properly, it can trigger immense anxiety. You may wonder, “Is my baby okay? Am I doing something wrong?” These are valid concerns.
At Borneo Hospitals, our neonatology team, led by experts like Dr. Santosh Madrewar, sees worried parents every day. We understand the fear that a newborn baby problem like this can cause.
This comprehensive guide is designed to address your concerns directly. We will explore the common and not-so-common reasons for feeding issues and provide practical steps based on our years of experience in neonatal care.
Why a "Baby Not Feeding" is a Concern for New Parents
A newborn’s primary job is to eat, sleep, and grow. Feeding provides the essential calories and nutrients for rapid baby development and weight gain.
When a baby is not feeding, it can be an early indicator of an underlying issue that needs attention. It’s a crucial signal that parents should never ignore.
7 Common Reasons Your Baby Might Refuse to Feed
Let’s delve into the reasons your little one might be refusing the breast or bottle.
1. Latching Difficulties
A poor latch is the most frequent culprit. The baby needs to take a large part of the areola (the dark area around the nipple) into their mouth, not just the nipple itself.
- Signs of a Poor Latch: You might feel pain, your baby may seem frustrated, or you might hear clicking sounds instead of soft swallowing.
- What to Do: Reposition your baby. Their mouth should be wide open before they latch on. Bring the baby to your breast, not the other way around. Sometimes, a lactation consultant can provide invaluable breastfeeding & lactation support.
2. Underlying Illness or Infection
Just like adults, babies lose their appetite when they are unwell. An infection can make them too tired or uncomfortable to feed.
- Signs to Watch For: Look for fever, lethargy (being unusually sleepy and hard to wake), irritability, or breathing problems in newborns.
- Signs of infection in a newborn are a serious concern.
- What to Do: If you suspect your baby is ill, it is crucial to contact a neonatologist or your paediatrician immediately. Don’t wait.
3. Jaundice (Piliya)
Newborn jaundice, or Piliya, is very common and makes a baby’s skin and eyes look yellow. It happens because of a buildup of a substance called bilirubin.
- Signs to Watch For: The tell-tale yellowing of the skin. A key symptom of jaundice in newborns is extreme sleepiness, which directly leads to poor feeding. This creates a vicious cycle, as frequent feeding helps flush the bilirubin out of the body.
- What to Do: If your baby is too sleepy to wake for feeds, they may need newborn jaundice treatment, such as phototherapy. Consult your doctor right away if you notice these signs.
4. Tongue-Tie (Ankyloglossia)
This is a condition where a small strip of tissue under the baby’s tongue is shorter than usual, restricting the tongue’s movement. It can make it very difficult for a baby to breastfeed effectively.
- Signs to Watch For: The baby may not be able to stick their tongue out, has trouble lifting it, or you may notice that poor latch again.
- What to Do: A simple examination by a newborn specialist can diagnose this. The treatment is a minor procedure that provides immediate relief and improves feeding.
5. Prematurity and Low Birth Weight
A premature baby or a low birth weight baby often has an underdeveloped sucking reflex and gets tired very easily.
- Signs to Watch For: They may fall asleep after just a few minutes of feeding, long before they’ve had enough milk. This is one of the biggest feeding challenges for low birth weight babies.
- What to Do: Feeding a premature baby requires patience. You might need to feed them more often. Techniques like Kangaroo mother care, which involves extensive skin-to-skin contact, can help stimulate the baby and encourage feeding. In some cases, a feeding tube might be necessary in the hospital.
6. Discomfort or Pain
Sometimes the issue is as simple as discomfort. A blocked nose, earache, or even gas can make feeding an unpleasant experience for your baby.
- Signs to Watch For: The baby starts feeding and then pulls away crying and seems distressed. They may arch their back in pain.
- What to Do: Try burping the baby before and during feeds. Hold them in a more upright position. If the problem persists, it could be a sign of silent reflux or other issues that your doctor can help diagnose.
7. Issues with Milk Supply or Flow
The problem might not be with the baby but with the milk flow. A very fast, forceful let-down can overwhelm the baby, causing them to choke and pull away. Conversely, a very slow flow can frustrate them.
- Signs to Watch For: Your baby might cough, gag, or pull off the breast if the flow is too fast. If it’s too slow, they may get sleepy or lose interest.
- What to Do: If your flow is too fast, try leaning back while feeding or expressing a little milk before you start. If you are worried about low supply, a lactation expert can help with tips on how to increase breast milk supply for a preemie or a full-term baby.
What You Can Do at Home: First Steps
- Check the Environment: Ensure the room is calm and quiet.
- Skin-to-Skin Contact: Undress your baby down to their nappy and hold them against your bare chest. This often stimulates feeding instincts.
- Check Positioning: A comfortable baby is more likely to feed well.
- Stay Calm: Your baby can sense your stress. Take a deep breath. Your calm presence is reassuring.
When to See a Doctor Immediately: Red Flag Symptoms
While many feeding issues can be managed, some are signs of an emergency. If your baby not feeding and you notice any of the following, seek medical help without delay:
- Fewer than 6 wet nappies in 24 hours (a sign of dehydration).
- High fever or very low temperature.
- Lethargy or being unresponsive.
- Difficulty breathing or breathing problems in newborns.
- A sunken soft spot (fontanelle) on their head.
How Borneo Hospitals Can Help: Expert Neonatal Care
For parents facing these worries, especially “The Anxious Parents”, having a trusted medical team is everything. Borneo Hospitals is equipped with a Level III NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) in our branches, designed to handle the most complex newborn baby problems.
Our approach is built on providing both advanced medical care and emotional and psychological support for families. We believe in clear communication, ensuring you understand every aspect of your child’s care.
From lactation consultants to help with a simple latching problem to top neonatologists who manage critical conditions in our NICU, we provide comprehensive care.
Take the Next Step with Borneo Hospitals
Watching your baby not feeding is deeply distressing, but you don’t have to figure it out on your own. Most of the time, the issue is solvable with the right guidance. For those moments when it’s more serious, immediate expert care is vital. We encourage you to trust your instincts. If you are worried about your baby’s feeding habits or any other aspect of their health, please consult with our expert doctors.
Visit us at your nearest Borneo Hospitals branch in Thane, Nashik, Waluj, or Raipur. For immediate advice, you can also call our 24/7 helpline.
We invite you to make an appointment with Dr. Santosh Madrewar, Senior Paediatrician and Founder of Borneo Hospital. With his extensive experience and qualifications (MBBS, DCH), he and our dedicated team are here to provide the best NICU hospital care and ensure your baby gets the best start in life.
Further Reading & Reliable Sources
- World Health Organization (WHO) on Newborn Health: https://www.who.int/health-topics/newborn-health
- UNICEF – Feeding Your Baby: When, What and How: https://www.unicef.org/parenting/food-nutrition/feeding-your-baby-when-what-how
- Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP): https://iapindia.org/
- Research Paper on Feeding Problems in Preterm Infants (PubMed): https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29421524/
