Newborn refusing breast

Does she suck for a little while then pull off?
If you have lots of milk perhaps she is not liking the sudden let down? You could try expressing a bit first , just to get the big gushy part out, then put her on and see how she goes. It may take a few attempts before she realises the 'scary' part's over.
I hope that makes sense! Jody went through the same thing abt about a week old, just got scared of the mega let down.
I would try to avoid using the bottle as she may start prefering it to breast.
Big hugs! It's not easy!

Also with the let down you could try leaning back so gravilty helps slow it down or lying down to feed .

Edited by melnel

If it is a fast let down and a plentiful supply, I think you might do better to maybe avoid expressing the fast part off as you will end up creating more of a supply (that's what I was advised). Can you feel your letdown happen? Try leaning back as suggested and then when the letdown happens take your little one off and let the fast milk soak into a towel then pop her back on and see how you go. I had to do this for weeks and weeks until my supply eventually settled.

I also second the cranial osteo suggestion - we didn't go for feeding issues but I think they are hugely beneficial for many/most babies and the first few weeks after birth is a great time for them to receive this very gentle and effective therapy.

Otherwise try La Leche or even if Plunket have the Breastfeeding Works peer counsellor programme in your area those girls are a great resource to call upon.

Thanks ladies for your advice. After I pumped last night (that was before I got your advice that I better shouldn't) and gave her the bottle, I decided that I would consequently wake her every 3 hours and feed her. Even though she's still very tired and takes ages to wake up, she seems to be able to feed much better when the breasts are not that full. We had a couple of ok feeds through the night and a very good one with lots of sucking and swallowing this morning. So it seems it was engorgement that stopped her from feeding. Fingers crossed we can carry on like this.

I second the advice from Kellz - Let them suck for a bit to get things moving - then take then off and let your boob squirt onto a cloth to relief the pressure, then put bubs back on when its slowed down.
I can remember at night my boobs would start working as soon as he cried - I'd be dribbling milk puddles everywhere and it usually sorted itself out by the time I picked him up.

This is sorta happening with me, my milk just pours down her throat so she just has to hold her mouth open really, mw said not to worry so long as they have lots of wet nappies etc!