Patient's question:
My daughter can't suck milk yet, she only knows how to suck from a bottle. What's going on? She didn't produce any milk but still tried to suck for two sips and then stopped. What should I do? Is there something wrong with her?Follow-up question: But she has already produced some milk, yet she still won't suck. We've been using a bottle to feed her since two days ago and also expressed milk with a pump to feed her.
Doctor's answer:
It may also be due to a deficiency in your method of holding the baby, which makes the child uncomfortable or uneasy. You can try letting the baby lie down while feeding. Take it slow and gradually get used to it. This could also be because the infant is not hungry. Alternatively, it might be due to (subcortical brain damage). So, the issue is just with the sucking reflex. It is recommended to have a thorough examination in the neurology department of a regular hospital to determine if there is any abnormality.Newborn feeding generally requires both the mother and the baby to learn how to position themselves correctly. The mother needs to have the right feeding posture. With some practice over time, it usually improves.