What if the baby doesn’t want to drink after treatment?

It is quite common for babies to be unsettled, fussy and tearful 24–48 hours after the procedure. In some cases, this may last a little longer.

If your baby is really struggling to breastfeed or take a bottle, you can offer milk using a small spoon or a syringe, gently placing the milk into their mouth. Alternatively, you can hold a small medicine cup against your baby’s lower lip and gently let a little milk flow into their mouth.

Your baby will eventually want to feed again, but may need some time to adjust. Please read our Frequently Asked Questions for helpful tips on improving feeding at the breast or from a bottle.

If your baby remains very distressed, you can administer a paracetamol suppository: 60 mg or half of a 120 mg suppository, depending on your baby’s weight. If you are unsure about medication use, always consult a healthcare professional.

Please don’t hesitate to contact a lactation consultant if you have any questions or concerns about feeding.