In my practice I have often seen behavior that I call breast phobia. these
babies tense up and may scream at the mere sight of the breast. I have found
that the problem usually results when mother *Forces* the issue of
breastfeeding with the baby. The breast may then be viewed (by the baby) as a
negative experience. What seems to work best is the concept of *gentling* the
baby back to the breast. Taking away the *threat* of the breast.
I have mothers get the baby up for feeding before he demands, and caution her
to stimulate the baby as little as possible before nsg. (no diaper changes,
gentle handling).  She is not to allow the baby to cry or become frustrated.
Calming the baby by allowing him to suck on her finger before trying to latch
the baby on again.  (Maybe calmer babies make for calmer mothers!)
I also recommend that mother keep baby near her exposed breast as much as
possible in non -feeding situations, sleeping or awake but not hungry, not
forcing the issue. Babies are *born to breastfeed* mother nature gave them
instincts for the breast. Very often these babies will latch on in their
sleep.
I had only one case that did not resolve. A 3 week old  with an undiagnosed
fractured clavicle, who started off by refusing one breast (the side that
made the fracture take the most pressure) then finally the other. Even at 3
weeks of age, he would literally begin screaming the minute he saw the
mother's breast. Mother tried everything but could not get the infant past
the behavior. I believe remembering the pain  was a strong factor in the
behavior. Who says babies don't feel pain?