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As a new mom, you are constantly on the lookout for any changes in your baby’s behavior, feeding patterns, or health. Your baby’s health and well-being are of the utmost priority. You constantly arm yourself with every piece of info that will be of help in raising your newborn. So, when your baby suddenly drinks less milk, you quickly pick up on this change. When there’s a shift from the normal feeding amount or a change in their feeding habits, it’s best to figure out what’s causing it right away so you have a better chance of finding a solution to this problem. In this post, we help you understand what is a nursing strike, its causes, and what you can do.
How To Figure Out If Your Baby Is On A Nursing Strike?
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A nursing or breastfeeding strike can be identified as the sudden refusal to breastfeed by your little one after feeding for several months. If your baby suddenly refuses to be nursed, note that it may not be a cause for worry (1). But a nursing strike doesn’t mean that it’s time to wean your baby off breast milk. Nursing strikes are often short-lived and typically found in babies between the age of 7 to 11 months old.
What Causes A Nursing Strike?
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There are several factors that ultimately cause a baby to go on a breastfeeding strike. Below, we discuss the most common ones (2):
- It Could Be Something Physical
Your baby could be suffering from a cold or stuffy nose that makes it hard for them to breathe while breastfeeding. Apart from that, any other factor that causes pain or discomfort such as a cold sore, thrush, or teething could also make breastfeeding uncomfortable for your little one. An ear infection could also be one of the possible reasons for refusal to nurse as sucking or lying in one position might be painful for them.
- Changes In Routine
Your baby might be overstimulated and become too distracted during breastfeeding. Also, a change in their normal feeding routine because you’ve stayed away for a while or have gone back to work could make your baby fussy during feedings. You might also want to check if you have ever reacted strongly to being bitten during nursing.
- Unfamiliar Taste/Scents
Your breast milk might taste different if you’ve introduced new foods in your diet or if your body is dealing with hormonal changes, which can cause a nursing strike. Your baby could also lose interest in feeding because of changes in the way you smell as a result of a new soap, lotion, or perfume that you’ve been using recently.
Tips For Managing A Nursing Strike
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A nursing strike is a stressful situation for most moms. It’s important to stay calm and not feel guilty but instead work through the ways to find a possible solution. Here are some things that you could do:
- If you’re used to breastfeeding in the same position, it might be wise to try different positions to encourage feeding.
- Breastfeed in a quiet dark room with limited distractions for your baby.
- Skin-to-skin contact is another way to encourage your baby to feed. It also makes for a great bonding experience.
- Address your baby’s biting issues while nursing by slipping your finger in their mouth to let go.
- Evaluate any recent changes in your life such as using a new skincare or bath product or changes in your diet.
It can be frustrating when your baby refuses your milk, causing you to give up breastfeeding abruptly. It’s important to keep trying and maintain your milk supply during this time by pumping to prevent any engorgement issues. If your baby continues to refuse when fed via bottle or you notice fewer wet diapers, it’s best to contact your baby’s healthcare provider right away.
