Four hours? Eight hours? One full day?

None. Breast milk does not spoil inside your breast.

If your baby suddenly refuses to suck, the real concern is not “bad milk.” Your breasts may become painfully full, and repeated missed feeds may gradually reduce your milk supply.

What should you do?

Offer the breast calmly. Do not force baby.
Try skin-to-skin contact and a quiet feeding space.
Hand-express or pump about as often as baby normally feeds.
Ensure baby continues receiving enough milk.
Find out why baby is refusing: illness, a blocked nose, mouth or ear pain, teething or a temporary nursing strike.

Please seek help promptly if baby repeatedly refuses feeds, has fewer wet nappies, becomes unusually sleepy or appears unwell.

The milk has not gone sour but a baby who will not feed should not be ignored.

Were you ever told that milk left inside the breast could spoil? Tell me in the comments and share this with a new mother who may be worried.

#BreastfeedingMonth
#HealthyLivingWithDrKetch