Nipple Confusion Syndrome: Symptoms, Causes And Prevention
Normally, many babies have trouble feeding directly from their mother’s breast. Some even harm the mother when they suck. Especially in the specific case of premature babies, it is very common to observe pain and abuse in the mother’s nipple.
It is because the little one, by not having a good grip, tends to hurt it. It is what we can call the Nipple Confusion Syndrome.
In these situations, it is necessary to complete the feeding of the baby without interfering with the suction of the baby towards the nipple. The use of the syringe is a good method to apply in children who do not grip the nipple well. Let’s take a closer look at what this problem consists of and how to solve it.
What is Nipple Confusion Syndrome and how does it occur?
This Nipple Confusion Syndrome is caused when the baby shows resistance to being fed with the mother’s nipple. The baby tends to prefer the nipple of the bottle because of the little effort applied to obtain the milk.
This problem generally occurs when babies are fed with a bottle and a mother’s nipple at the same time. It is because it sends the wrong message to the child, and confuses it at the time of breastfeeding.
Although many mothers use the bottle at breastfeeding because they have no other options, this can lead to confusion for the baby when it comes to sucking on the bottle nipple and nipple.
These cases usually occur in newborn children who are separated from their mother at a crucial time.
It can also occur in infants who are artificially fed when their mothers are not at home. This syndrome can generate what is known as a “lactation 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 can it be avoided and corrected?
One of the ways that Nipple Confusion Syndrome can be prevented is by avoiding giving your baby pacifiers and bottles. Do it for at least the first six weeks of life, or, if possible, never use them.
If it occurs due to some force majeure reason, such as the mother returning to work or the baby being cared for by a third party, it is recommended that you feed him with a slow-flow nipple.
Similarly, another of the measures that the mother can apply is to choose to use the syringe, placing the middle finger on the baby’s palate, and letting it suck to obtain the milk inside it.
Syringe Feeding Methods
Here are some methods of syringe feeding:
- The capacity of the appropriate syringes to feed the little one can be 10 cm3. They should not be less than 60 cc.
- At the time of feeding with this method, the baby’s middle finger is placed on the palate, and when he begins to suck, the milk from the syringe is slid over the finger.
- The mother should be seated, using both hands and comfortable; and in the same way the baby has to be calm.
This method is ideal for babies who are premature or who tend to mistake the nipple for the nipple. This syndrome can be corrected, taking into account that the mother must have patience and dedication; In addition, as we have mentioned, it is advisable to get rid of bottles and pacifiers.
It is recommended that the mother breastfeed the baby when he is calm. It should not be done in moments of desperation because they are hungry, as this will allow the little one to adapt again to the contact of the nipple.
In the same way, if the mother is a little scared because she does not have much milk flow, a few minutes before she can use the breast pump as a measure so that it is loaded when the baby begins to feed.
When is it convenient to use the breast pump ?
The breast pump is a useful tool for when mothers feel their breasts very full because they produce more milk than the baby sucks. That is why it is necessary to unload the breasts to relieve that weight through the breast pump.
This gives the father the opportunity to participate in the feeding of the child by providing this milk through the use of the bottle.
You see that this syndrome has an easy solution. Simply with a little patience and the information provided here you will be able to make your baby latch on to your nipple without problem.
